LIV Golf brands PGA’ s player ban ‘vindictive’

Justin Thomas and Rory Mcilroy have welcomed the PGA Tour’s decision to suspend players competing in the LIV Golf Invitational Series, a move branded “vindictive” by the Saudibacked breakaway.

Within minutes of the first shots being struck in the £20 million event – the most lucrative golf tournament in history – the PGA Tour sent a memo to all members informing them that 17 players competing at Centurion, despite being refused permission, were being suspended.

The list included six-time major winner Phil Mickelson, who holds Lifetime Membership of the PGA Tour, former world No 1 Dustin Johnson and European stars Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Graeme Mcdowell and Lee Westwood.

All but Mickelson had already resigned from the Tour and those players will be removed from the Fedex Cup points list following the end of the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday.

Crucially, they will also not be allowed to exploit a potential loophole and play PGA Tour events as a nonmember via sponsor’s exemptions. Ian Poulter said he had not resigned and planned to appeal against his suspension.

“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote.

“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.”

LIV Golf swiftly hit back with a statement which read: “The announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members.

“It’s troubling that the Tour, an organisation 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.”

Johnson’s decision to resign his PGA Tour membership means he is no longer eligible for the Ryder Cup. The situation regarding suspended players is unclear, with the PGA of America not immediately replying to a request for clarification.

Monahan’s stance received the support of US PGA champion Thomas and four-time major winner Mcilroy, who spoke to reporters after completing their first rounds in Canada.

“I’m pleased,” Thomas said. “I think anybody that’s shocked clearly hasn’t been listening to the message that Jay and everybody’s been putting out. They took that risk going into it, whether they thought it was a risk or not.

“Like I’ve said the whole time, I have great belief and great confidence in the PGA Tour and where we’re going and continuing to grow to, and those guys just aren’t going to be a part of it.”

Mcilroy added: “All he (Monahan) is doing is basically going by the book. I think that the majority of the membership that are here this week and that haven’t gone and played elsewhere really appreciate that.

“So I think he’s done the right thing because these guys have broken rules and done things outside of the tournament regulations and because of that there are going to be consequences, I guess.”

LIV Tour chief Greg Norman pledged last month he would “defend, reimburse and represent” any players sanctioned and the whole saga has longsince looked destined to end in a legal battle.

Meanwhile former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel carded an opening five-under-par 65 at Centurion to take a oneshot lead after the opening day of the inaugural event.

Schwartzel fired six birdies and an eagle to top the leaderboard ahead of fellow South African Hennie du Plessis.

Dustin Johnson and sixtime major winner Mickelson both shot oneunder-par 69s to share seventh place with England’s Sam Horsfield.