The series began in front of mediocre crowds and surrounded by scandal because of its links to so-called sportswashing from the Saudi regime, which has attracted fierce criticism over human rights abuses.
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.
After months of controversy, the series began in front of mediocre crowds and dogged by scandal because of its links to so-called sportswashing from the Saudi regime, which has attracted fierce criticism over human rights abuses. “We have followed the tournament regulations from start to finish in responding to those players who have decided to turn their backs on the PGA Tour by willfully violating a regulation.”He said same fate would hold true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events. If players had resigned from the tour ahead of the first rebel event, Monahan said, they would not be allowed to play PGA Tour events as a non-member by getting a sponsor exemption.
“We’re here because we believe we’re independent contractors, and we can do -- we should be allowed to compete and play where we want to all over the world,” he said.