Dustin Johnson to highlight the inaugural event in London
The Greg Norman led controversial LIV Golf International’s inaugural USD 25 million event which challenges the monopoly of the USPGA and European Tours, will tee off at London’s Centurion Club from June 9-11 featuring a field of 48 players in what is certain to be a milestone event in the World of Pro Golf.
LIV Golf, which is being fronted by Norman, the two-time Open winner and former No. 1 player, and financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, released a list of 42 players who are in the field. The big surprise was 2020 Masters Champion Dustin Johnson, who had earlier said he was fully committed to the PGA Tour. Rumour is , LIV Golf will pay Johnson up to $150 million if he commits to the tour circuit. In his career on the PGA Tour Johnson has earned $73.4 million.
Two other Masters champions are in the field – Spain’s Sergio Garcia and South Africa’s Charles Schwartzel, as well as 13 current PGA Tour players. A total of 48 players will compete in the event, with the five additional spots up for grabs at the recently concluded International Series England, where India’s Viraj Madappa finished sixth, making him eligible.
While the PGA Tour did not grant permission to any of its members and has threatened to penalise those who compete in the event, a number of them have decided to participate anyway. Among them are tour winners Taylor Gooch, Matt Jones and Hudson Swafford. Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka’s brother, Chase, is also in the field.
The Tour reiterated its stance in a statement released on June 1. “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,” the tour’s statement Wednesday said. “Members who violate the Tournament Regulations are subject to disciplinary action.” The event coincides with the RBC Canadian Open in Ontario on the PGA Tour.
As part of the follow-out to the list of names, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), which has Johnson as a brand ambassador since 2018, has decided to end its association with the former World No. 1, “The PGA Tour has been clear about its intentions in accordance with its Tournament Regulations should a golfer choose to play in a tournament outside the Tour, including the LIV Golf Invitational Series. We were recently made aware that Dustin Johnson made the decision to play the LIV Golf Invitational Series opener.
“DJ has been a valued RBC Team member since 2018. While we are extremely disappointed in his decision, we wish him well.”
RBC has also cut ties with former U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell, who is in the field as well. It remains to be seen what penalties the PGA Tour decides to impose on these players and what the legalities of such penalties will be. At stake is the fundamental issue of the players being able to choose to play where they choose, provided they fulfil their minimum commitment to the PGA Tour required to retain their membership.
Kevin Na resigns from PGA Tour
Meanwhile 38 year old Kevin Na, who has won five times on the PGA Tour, decided to resign from the tour rather than face a potential ban or suspension. In a statement, NA said, “For 19 years I’ve played on the PGA Tour and I have loved every minute of it. I appreciate the platform the tour has provided me to play the game that I love. Recent developments in the professional golf world have given me a chance to reconsider my options.
“I would like the freedom to play wherever I want and exercising my right as a free agent gives me that opportunity. However, to remain a PGA Tour player, I must give up my right to make these choices about my career. If I exercise my right to choose where and when I play golf, then I cannot remain a PGA Tour player without facing disciplinary proceedings and legal action.
“I am sad to share that I have chosen to resign from the PGA Tour. This has not been an easy decision [and]not one I take lightly. I hope the current policies change and I’ll be able to play on the PGA Tour again.”
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