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The PGA Tour has wasted no time in punishing players who have chosen to compete in the new rival golf tour. On the day of the very first LIV Golf event, 17 players have been suspended by the PGA Tour.
The LIV Golf field for Thursday’s event at Centurion Club near London features some of the PGA’s top players. Those players are no longer eligible to play in PGA Tour events, including the Presidents Cup, as well as tours sanctioned by the PGA Tour.
“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote in a memo to players. “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 preeminent organization in the world of professional golf.”
PGA Tour suspends current and future LIV players. pic.twitter.com/lKhxo27Ida
— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) June 9, 2022
Phil Mickelson leads the list of names who have been suspended from the PGA Tour. Mickelson skipped the 2022 Masters and 2022 PGA Championship following his controversial comments about participating in the new Saudi-backed golf league. Mickelson has said he planned to compete at next week’s U.S. Open.
Dustin Johnson has been suspended two days after announcing that he resigned from the PGA Tour. It’s been reported that Johnson and Mickelson have received signing bonuses well north of $100 million in or to join the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Four players in the top 35 of the world golf rankings have been suspended because of their association with LIV. That group includes Johnson, Louis Oosthuizen, Kevin Na and Talor Gooch.
Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel and Martin Kaymer are major championship winners who have received PGA suspensions.
Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed have reportedly signed on to be part of the field in upcoming LIV Golf events. Monahan’s statement suggests that DeChambeau and Reed will be suspended if and when they eventually play for LIV.
“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 said.
Here are the 17 players who have been suspended by the PGA Tour, along with their spot in the world golf rankings.
15) Dustin Johnson
21) Louis Oosthuizen
34) Kevin Na
35) Talor Gooch
57) Sergio Garcia
69) Matt Jones
72) Phil Mickelson
78) Lee Westwood
92) Ian Poulter
95) Hudson Swafford
123) Branden Grace
126) Charl Schwartzel
215) Martin Kaymer
327) Peter Uihlein
374) Graeme McDowell
600) Turk Pettit
1371) Andy Ogletree
Photo: AFP / Adrian DENNIS
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