[Golf Topic] PGA Tour "Suspension of LIV Golf Members Including Johnson"

Jay Monahan PGA Tour Commissioner

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…The U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour has announced sanctions against members participating in the ‘LIV Golf Invitational Series’.

On the 10th (Korean time), U.S. ESPN and others reported, "Seventeen players who participated in tournaments organized by LIV, a new golf organization supported by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), have been suspended from participation." Among them are world number one Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Kevin Na (all from the U.S.), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel (both from South Africa), Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland), Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter (both from England).

Johnson, Kevin Na, and eight others have notified the PGA Tour of their membership withdrawal. Their participation in the LIV Golf International Series opening event held last night at Centurion Golf Club in London, England, is the reason for their suspension from PGA Tour-sanctioned events. They will also be barred from participating in the Presidents Cup going forward. Jay Monahan, PGA Tour Commissioner, criticized, "These players made their decisions based on financial reasons," adding, "They have disregarded the players, fans, and our partners."

The LIV Golf Invitational side expressed concern, stating, "The PGA Tour's sanctions are retaliatory" and "will only worsen the division within the golf community." Greg Norman, the ‘White Shark’ from Australia leading LIV Golf International, plans to take legal action against the PGA Tour's decision. ‘The Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (U.S.) is also scheduled to join the second LIV Golf Invitational Series event on the 30th and is expected to face suspension as well.