On Wednesday several of the players resigned from the PGA Tour in order to compete in the lucrative Saudi-backed league.

The biggest name to resign was that of the former world number one and two-time major champion, Dustin Johnson. The three South Africans, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace also resigned. Phil Mickelson opted not to tending his resignation. 

The US PGA banned a total of 17 players with in a half hour of the LIV Invitational teeing off in St Albans.

The PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced the suspension of the 17 golfers in a memo.

“In accordance with the PGA TOUR’s Tournament Regulations, the players competing this week without releases are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate in PGA TOUR tournament play, including the Presidents Cup. This also applies to all tours sanctioned by the PGA TOUR: the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Champions, PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Latinoamérica. 

“Their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations,” Monahan wrote. “The same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations.”

“Also in accordance with PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations, the players who have resigned their membership will be removed from the FedExCup Points List when the official statistics following the RBC Canadian Open are posted on Sunday evening. These players will not be permitted to play in PGA TOUR tournaments as a non-member via a sponsor exemption or any other eligibility category. The memo included an additional commitment that the TOUR’s current membership will not be negatively impacted – in the way of Priority Rankings, tournament eligibility or eligibility to compete in the FedExCup Playoffs – by those suspended members who have yet to resign.

“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,” Monahan wrote to the TOUR’s membership. “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.”

Monahan said in regards to additional questions about players’ ability to return to the TOUR in the future, “Trust that we’re prepared to deal with those questions and we’ll approach them in the same we have this entire process: by being transparent and respecting the PGA TOUR regulations that you helped establish.”

“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,” Monahan wrote. “This week, the RBC Canadian Open is a shining example of what you have created with the PGA TOUR: a star-studded field, a committed sponsor, sold-out hospitality offerings, record crowds and a global broadcast distribution. These elements are part of the TOUR’s DNA, built by the likes of Jack and Arnie, furthered by Tiger and countless others – whose legacies are inextricably linked, with each other and with the PGA TOUR. This collective legacy can’t be bought or sold.”

The following players are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible for PGA TOUR tournament play: Sergio Garcia*, Talor Gooch, Branden Grace*, Dustin Johnson*, Matt Jones, Martin Kaymer*, Graeme McDowell*, Phil Mickelson, Kevin Na*, Andy Ogletree, Louis Oosthuizen*, Turk Pettit*, Ian Poulter, Charl Schwartzel*, Hudson Swafford, Peter Uihlein, Lee Westwood*

(*- have informed the PGA TOUR that they have resigned their membership).

Morgan Piek OFM Sport