Poulter in vow to fight PGA’s ban on rebels

IAN Poulter plans to appeal against his suspension from the PGA Tour after golf’s bitter power struggle took a dramatic turn.

Within minutes of the first shots in the opening LIV Golf Invitational Series event being struck, the PGA Tour responded by banning the 17 players in the field who were playing despite having been denied permission.

Among them were six-time major winner and lifetime member Phil Mickelson, former world No 1 Dustin Johnson and European stars Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell, with all but Mickelson having resigned from the Tour already.

Poulter, pictured, had not resigned and repeatedly insisted he had done nothing wrong, despite being denied the required release to play in the controversial Saudi-backed tournament.

“I’ve played a lot of tournaments all around the world, this event is no different. It’s a shame if they view this as something different,” Poulter said after an opening round of 75 in the 54-hole event at Centurion Club.

“I will appeal for sure. It makes no sense. Having two Tour cards and the ability to play golf all over the world, what’s wrong with that?

“I believe I’ve been given permission in the past to play in events around the world.”

Asked why he had been refused permission on this occasion, Poulter added: “I don’t know why. We can all make assumptions as to why. Competition is probably the real reason. It’s a power struggle and it’s just disappointing.”

Meanwhile, former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel carded an opening five-underpar 65 to take a one-shot lead after the opening day of the inaugural event.

Schwartzel, who started from the third hole at Centurion Club in a “shotgun start” in the controversial £20 million, 54-hole event, fired six birdies and an eagle to top the leaderboard ahead of compatriot Hennie du Plessis.

The South African pair are both part of Stinger Golf Club in the team event, with another member, Branden Grace, in a tie for fifth on two under.

Johnson and Mickelson shot one-under-par 69s to share seventh with England’s Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter.

■ SCOTLAND’S Craig Howie carded a 65 to share the firstround lead at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed in Sweden.

Five birdies over the back nine catapulted the 27-year-old into a four-way tie at the top on seven under with Frenchman Matthieu Pavon, Spain’s Santiago Tarrio and Italian amateur Carolina Melgrati.

England’s Liz Young had eight birdies, but two bogeys meant she finished one shot off the lead in a share of fifth at Halmstad Golf Club, where 78 men and 78 women play over the same course for one £1.5 million prize fund.