RORY IN SAUDI SLAPDOWN

RORY MCILROY has dismissed the field for next week’s Saudi-backed LIV Invitational as nothing “to jump up and down about.”

And with his former Ryder Cup team-mates Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter signed up, the world No.8 said: “It’s a young man’s game now.”

Greg Norman’s rebel league yesterday announced 42 of the 48-man field for their first event, at The Centurion near St Albans, starting on June 9.

World No.13 Dustin Johnson (right) is set to be paid $100million to be the highest-ranked player in the event while Major winners Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer will also tee up. A final wild card could yet be Phil Mickelson.

LIV – backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund which owns Newcastle United – has promised a $2bn investment in golf with $255m on offer in the 10 events this year.

The prize fund next week is $25m, with $4m going to the winner. By comparison, Justin Thomas banked $2.7m last month for winning the US PGA from a record $15m pot.

LIV has also promised to pay all legal fees and fines imposed on players after the PGA Tour and DP World Tour refused releases for any members to compete.

McIlroy, who is on the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council, has been a strong critic of the breakaway league. And speaking before teeing up at The Memorial today, he said: “There are a couple of surprises but I don’t think the field is anything to jump up and down about.”

The four-time Major winner said he understood why older players sign up for the lucrative events. “It’s hard to stay in the Top-125, especially when you’re in your 40s,” said McIlroy. “It’s a young man’s game now.” A PGA statement said: “PGA Tour members have not been authorised to participate. Members who violate the Tournament Regulations are subject to disciplinary action.”