Some of the the world’s top golfers, who teed off in this afternoon’s controversial Saudi-backed LIV series, have been suspended from the rival PGA Tour with immediate effect.
In a letter released to PGA Tour members, commissioner Jay Monahan said the players now suspended did not receive media releases – or did not apply for them at all – to participate in the LIV Golf Series, which is currently staging its opening event at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire.
Mr Monahan said the players in question had “decided to turn their backs on the PGA Tour by willfully violating a regulation” and that “the same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our regulations”.
Those golfers are now prohibited from taking part in all tours sanctioned by the PGA Tour, including the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamérica.
“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,” said Mr Mohanan
The breakaway series has been funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the owners of Newcastle United – and involves huge sums of money for the competitors.
Players have been criticised for taking part in the event due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
However, a number of golfers have quit the PGA Tour in order to play in the breakaway circuit.
Who has been suspended from the PGA Tour?
Image: Phil Mickelson has been suspended from competing in PGA Tour events
Former world number one Dustin Johnson and fellow American Kevin Na both resigned from the tour, but six-times major champion Phil Mickelson refused to leave.
All of them have been suspended from competing in PGA Tour events.
Ryder Cup heroes Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter have also been banned for joining the competition, along with Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Hudson Swafford, Talor Gooch, Branden Grace, Matt Jones, Andy Ogletree, Peter Uihlein and Turk Pettit.
Why LIV Golf is the most controversial tournament in sport right now
Tiger Woods reportedly rejected a large offer to join the LIV series and Rory Mcllroy chose to defend his Canadian Open title instead.
Mr Monahan also confirmed that the players to have resigned from the PGA Tour – Garcia, Westwood, Johnson, Kaymer, McDowell, Na, Oosthuizen, Pettit, Grace and Schwartzel – will not be allowed to play in tournaments as non-members through sponsor exemptions, while they will also be removed from the FedExCup points list.
Why is LIV Golf controversial?
Image: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
LIV Golf has come under fire because it receives its funding from the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which is headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He allegedly ordered the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
Amnesty International UK has accused LIV Golf players of being “willing stooges of Saudi sportswashing” due to the Gulf kingdom’s “appalling human rights record”.
Women in Saudi Arabia continue to face serious discrimination in marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody, according to Amnesty.
There is also “substantial evidence” of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people being frequently subject to arrest in the kingdom, the Human Dignity Trust has said.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia announced the mass execution of 81 men for terrorism and other offences including holding “deviant beliefs”.
