Dustin Johnson, and Sergio Garcia are the most notable names among 42 players released by LIV Golf to compete in the Saudi-backed league for the first event scheduled at the tournament, June 11–13, at the Centurion Club outside of London. However, the event reportedly conflicts with PGA guidelines.
Announced in March by LIV CEO and commissioner Greg Norman, the first eight-tournament LIV schedule includes a total prize money of $255 million—with a $25 million total purse for the first tournament.
“Free agency has finally come to golf,” said Norman. “This is an opportunity to start a movement that will change the course of history by bringing new and open competition to the sport we all love.”
The first seven events will include $20 million in prize money, with an additional $5 million to be split among the top three teams in each competition.
The championship concludes at the end of the season with a total purse of $30 million for the top three players, and an additional $50 million in team prize money.
The 54-hole tournaments will feature 48 players drafted into 12 four-man teams.
Sixteen of the world’s top 106 will play in the event, including notables such as former US Open winners Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer—as well as European Ryder Cup greats Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.
Thirteen players in the field have full PGA Tour membership, such as veterans Kevin Na, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel—along with a young winner at the RSM Classic last fall, Talor Gooch.
Three-time tour winner, Hudson Swafford, newly turned professional James Piot, and Matt Jones are currently playing at this week’s PGA tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club, and are registered for the LIV tournament in London.
No disciplinary action has been taken by the PGA Tour, but a statement was made about the event in May:
“As communicated to our entire membership on May 10, PGA Tour members have not been authorized to participate in the Saudi Golf League’s London event, under PGA Tour tournament regulations, members who violate the tournament regulations are subject to disciplinary action.”
The PGA Tour and European tour both have declined releases for players to compete in the LIV events, thus theses players will risk punishment, including potentially losing PGA Tour membership.
World No. 13 and former No. 1 ranked Johnson was scheduled to play in the RBC Canadian Open next week, where he is endorsed by the sponsor as their top draw.
“Dustin [Johnson] has been contemplating the opportunity off and on for the past couple of years. Ultimately, he decided it was in his and his family’s best interest to pursue it,” stated Johnson’s manager at Hambric Sports, David Winkler, to the AP in a text message.
Johnson confirmed his support to the PGA Tour, stating he’s “grateful for the opportunity to play on the best tour in the world and for all it has provided me and my family.”
“Dustin has never had any issue with the PGA Tour and is grateful for all it has given him but in the end felt this was too compelling to pass up,” added Winkler.
There was no mention that Phil Mickelson, whose concern about the Saudis’ potential crimes against humanity was revealed in a recently released biography, was criticized for his support of LIV Golf.
Mickelson missed defending the PGA Championship two weeks ago and has not played since the Saudi International in February, but he could still be a late addition to the LIV event.
