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PGA Tour suspends biggest names in the game
The PGA Tour is set to suspend 17 members, who are currently competing in the rival golfing event, the Saudi Arabia LIV Golf Series
The PGA has moved to ban members from competing in the LIV Golf Series, citing violations of Tournament rules.
The players allegedly violated Tournament regulations by not completing the required release rights.
The major ban impacts a number of world champions including Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter, and Dustin Johnson.
Meaning their participation in the Saudi Arabia event conflicts with the PGA tour.
The PGA released a letter to its members saying the players had willfully violated its tour.
“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons, but they can’t demand the same PGA TOUR membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you. That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners. You have made a different choice, which is to abide by the Tournament Regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA TOUR card and, more importantly, to compete as part of the preeminent organization in the world of professional golf…
The players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons. But they can’t demand the same PGA TOUR membership benefits”
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan memo to members
The LIV Golf series is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund.
The Tournament has pledged to award $250 million in total prize money, with the money being shared between the top three winning teams at the end of the week.
The final 12 teams had been announced with the first event set to kick off in London.
LIV Golf quickly hit back at PGA’s announcement.
“Today’s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members.This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond.”
LIV Golf tournament
Golfers impacted by the ban have also hit back at the ban and plan to appeal the decision.
“Of course I’m going to appeal. It makes no sense,” Poulter said. “I’ve always had the ability to play golf all around the world. What’s wrong with that? I haven’t done anything wrong. How many which ways do you want to cut that? I’ve don’t know many different events I’ve played around the world on different circuits. I’ve played the Asian Tour, the Japanese Tour. I’ve played in China, in South Africa. I’ve played everywhere, the game of golf that I love. They’re going take that opportunity away? That’s disappointing.”
Ian Poulter
Now, further investigations will be underway to see if the members will ever be able to return to future PGA tours.