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PGA Tour
SportGolf

PGA Tour raises stakes in fight with Saudi-backed event, denies players releases for LIV Golf Invitational

  • Tour boss Jay Monahan takes bold step in attempt to quash Greg Norman bid to start rival league
  • Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia among those believed to want to play in first tournament in London next month

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PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan (left) speaks to Ian Poulter during an event in New Orleans last year. Poulter is believed to have been one of those players to ask for a release. Photo: AFP
Associated Press

The PGA Tour is denying releases to golfers who asked to play in the first of a series of Saudi-funded tournaments next month in England, a bold move by Commissioner Jay Monahan in trying to quash Greg Norman’s latest bid to start a lucrative rival league.

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The first LIV Golf Invitational is scheduled for June 9-11 at Centurion Golf Club outside London, with a 48-man field competing for a $20 million purse over 54 holes. The winner gets US$4 million – to date the richest prize in golf – and last place gets US$120,000.

The tour informed the players who are seeking releases late on Tuesday afternoon (US time), and then notified all players of the decision in a short memo.

Phil Mickelson said through his agent he has asked for a conflicting event release to the London event. Photo: Reuters
Phil Mickelson said through his agent he has asked for a conflicting event release to the London event. Photo: Reuters

“We have notified those who have applied that their request has been declined in accordance with the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations. As such, Tour members are not authorised to participate in the Saudi Golf League’s London event under our regulations,” the memo said.

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