All 48-members who have signed to the contentious LIV Golf Invitational Series, run by Australian golfing icon Greg Norman, are no longer eligible for PGA Tour events following the announcement. | Rob Harris
US Open winner Graeme McDowell has blasted the PGA Tour’s decision to ban some of the golf’s biggest names, including Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, for taking part in the first Saudi-funded golf league in London.
Each tournament offers US$25 million in prize money, with $4 million for the individual winner. The PGA Tour’s richest event is The Players Championship at $20 million. The Canadian Open this week, which has five of the top-10 players in the world, has an $8.7 million purse. The ban includes participation in the Presidents Cup, which for the International team is determined by the world ranking. The USGA already has said eligible players can still compete in the US Open next week. The PGA Tour does not run the majors.“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,” organisers said in a statement.
McDowell, who attracted criticism on Tuesday after saying he was “proud” to help Saudi Arabia on its journey, quit the PGA Tour half an hour before the start.
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