The PGA Tour has confirmed that it is suspending all 17 of the players who have chosen to compete in the inaugural LIV International Golf Series event.
Since talk of the Saudi Arabia-backed competition emerged, the PGA Tour have been consistent with its threat to ban any players who choose to violate their memberships.
However, once it emerged that former world number one Dustin Johnson had surprisingly made the switch, the pressure was, in effect, upped on the powers-that-be at the world-renown organisation.
The PGA Tour has opted to remain quiet this week, instead watching its members continue to promote the opening tournament of the LIV Series at the Centurion Golf Club in Hertfordshire, England.
Once that competition officially got underway on Thursday, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote a memo its members, outlining the stance that it will continue to take going forward.
© Reuters
In a lengthy statement, Monahan says: "In accordance with the PGA TOUR's Tournament Regulations, the players competing this week without releases are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate in PGA TOUR tournament play, including the Presidents Cup. This also applies to all tours sanctioned by the PGA TOUR: the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Champions, PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Latinoamérica.
"Their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations. The same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations.
"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.
"I am certain our fans and partners – who are surely tired of all this talk of money, money and more money – will continue to be entertained and compelled by the world-class competition you display each and every week, where there are true consequences for every shot you take and your rightful place in history whenever you reach that elusive winner's circle.
"This week, the RBC Canadian Open is a shining example of what you have created with the PGA TOUR: a star-studded field, a committed sponsor, sold-out hospitality offerings, record crowds and a global broadcast distribution. These elements are part of the TOUR's DNA, built by the likes of Jack and Arnie, furthered by Tiger and countless others – whose legacies are inextricably linked, with each other and with the PGA TOUR. This collective legacy can't be bought or sold."
Johnson, as well as Phil Mickelson, are the biggest names to be suspended, the latter having insisted on Wednesday that he had no plans to resign from the PGA Tour due to his lifelong membership.
Some players, such as Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood, have already resigned from the tour, but Ian Poulter is one of seven suspended players who had not handed back their tour cards.
In response to the development, LIV Series responded by saying: "It's troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing.
"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."
High-profile American duo Bryson Dechambeau and Patrick Reed - both former major winners - are expected to become the next names to sign up for the LIV Series.
Darren Plant
