“As you already know, gamers listed under didn’t obtain the mandatory conflicting occasion and media rights releases — or didn’t apply for releases in any respect — and their participation within the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf occasion is in violation of our Match Rules,” Monahan stated in a memo.
“The identical destiny holds true for some other gamers who take part in future Saudi Golf League occasions in violation of our Rules.”
Gamers who’ve resigned their memberships will probably be faraway from the FedEx Cup factors checklist when the RBC Canadian Open scores are posted on Sunday.
The 17 golfers listed, together with previous main winners Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia, won’t be permitted to play in PGA Tour tournaments as a non-member by way of a sponsor exemption or some other eligibility class, the memo reiterated.
Mickelson, who beforehand held a lifetime eligibility to the PGA Tour, stated on Wednesday he did not plan on quitting the Tour as he had earned the correct to take part as he has “a lifetime membership which he has earned, and labored onerous for.”
What’s subsequent?
So far as what occurs now for the PGA Tour, Monahan added within the assertion: “You in all probability have extra questions. What’s subsequent? Can these gamers come again? Can they ultimately play PGA TOUR Champions? Belief that we’re ready to cope with these questions, and we’ll method them in the identical approach now we have this whole course of: by being clear and respecting the PGA TOUR rules that you simply helped set up.
“These gamers have made their alternative for their very own financial-based causes. However they cannot demand the identical PGA TOUR membership advantages, issues, alternatives and platform as you. That expectation disrespects you, our followers and our companions. You could have made a special alternative, which is to abide by the Match Rules you agreed to while you completed the dream of incomes a PGA TOUR card and — extra importantly — to compete as a part of the preeminent group on the planet {of professional} golf.”
What’s the LIV Golf sequence?
The tour consists of eight occasions the world over, starting in London on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia’s PIF has pledged to award $250 million in complete prize cash. Every of the primary seven occasions can have a complete prize purse of $25 million, with $20 million break up between particular person gamers and the remaining $5 million shared between the highest three groups on the finish of every week.
Forward of the primary occasion in London, the 12 groups had been introduced, in addition to their captain. On Tuesday, captains chosen the remainder of their groups in a draft format akin to the NFL and NBA drafts.
In contrast to typical {golfing} occasions, London’s occasion is over three days not 4, with the 48-man subject starting with a shotgun begin — all on the similar time — within the hopes of being a extra partaking, action-packed model occasion.
Competing in a conventional stroke play format, the bottom rating would be the winner.
What was LIV Golf’s response?
LIV Golf responded to the PGA Tour’s resolution to droop gamers on Thursday, saying: “At this time’s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members. It is troubling that the Tour, a company devoted to creating alternatives for golfers to play the sport, is the entity blocking golfers from enjoying.
“This actually isn’t the final phrase on this subject. The period of free company is starting as we’re proud to have a full subject of gamers becoming a member of us in London, and past.”
