PGA Tour suspends all golfers competing at Saudi-backed LIV event

No sooner were balls in the air at the inaugural LIV Golf Series event than the PGA Tour announced indefinite bans for those among their membership – including Phil Mickelson – who are featuring at the Centurion Club.

In a letter to the PGA Tour membership, the commissioner, Jay Monahan, listed 17 golfers who are not eligible to compete in upcoming competitions. They include Sergio García, Dustin Johnson, Branden Grace, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Kevin Na, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Lee Westwood, who have resigned PGA Tour membership. Others, including the life member Mickelson, have not.

“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,” said Monahan. “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.

“You have made a different choice, which is to abide by the tournament regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA Tour card and – more importantly – to compete as part of the pre-eminent organisation in the world of professional golf.”

The letter does not mention Bryson DeChambeau or Patrick Reed, who have been tipped to join the LIV scene. The suspicion remains that Mickelson has already served a suspension after comments relating to the PGA Tour were published in February. Speaking before the LIV tournament, the six-time major winner said he did not feel compelled to resign from the PGA Tour.

Those who are suspended or have resigned will not be able to play on the PGA Tour – or its co-sanctioned tours – even on sponsor invites. Monahan added: “You probably have more questions. What’s next? Can these players come back? Can they eventually play PGA Tour Champions? Trust that we’re prepared to deal with those questions, and we’ll approach them in the same way we have this entire process: by being transparent and respecting the PGA Tour regulations that you helped establish.

Artwork in the fan village. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

“I am certain our fans and partners – who are surely tired of all this talk of money, money and more money – will continue to be entertained and compelled by the world-class competition you display each and every week, where there are true consequences for every shot you take and your rightful place in history whenever you reach that elusive winner’s circle.”

In an immediate response, a LIV Golf statement said: “Today’s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members. It’s troubling that the Tour, an organisation dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. 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.”