Twice major champion Johnson confirmed he had resigned from the PGA Tour on Tuesday, as have Kevin Na and Garcia. But the field is nowhere near as strong, despite the presence of six-time major champion Mickelson, former world number one Johnson and European Ryder Cup stalwarts Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood. The super-sized prize money available at Centurion dwarfs the $8.7 million on offer at the Canadian Open. Former world number one Rory McIlroy, who is playing at the Canadian Open and has shunned LIV Golf, said those taking part had been turned by "boatloads of cash". However, American and European players taking part could be jeopardising their chances of playing in next year's Ryder Cup. Open if they are exempt or had already qualified. That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners." The decision by the PGA Tour, which does not run golf's four majors, came after the U.S Golf Association said it would allow LIV golfers to play in next week's U.S. "But they can't demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you. "These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a letter to members on Thursday. On Thursday the PGA Tour made good on its warning that those taking part in the new circuit would be punished. But the PGA Tour and the Europe-based DP World Tour have declined requests from members for releases to compete at Centurion where finishing last guarantees a cheque of $120,000. Open champion Graeme McDowell saying he would have been crazy to turn it down. The players signed up have hardly disguised the attraction of the riches up for grabs with former U.S. Critics say the breakaway series, bank-rolled to the tune of $250 million by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) amounts to blatant 'sportswashing' by a nation trying to improve its reputation in light of human rights concerns.
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The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond." The 54-hole format, with no cuts and a team element bolted on, is aimed at shaking up golf's status quo and giving players more opportunities, according to LIV Series organisers. It was hardly unexpected, and LIV Golf responded immediately, saying the PGA Tour's decision was "vindictive and deepens the divide between the Tour and its members." "This certainly is not the last word on this topic. But after a glitzy opening with a flypast of vintage aeroplanes and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman declaring a new era had begun, the PGA Tour poured water on the parade with a statement saying they would suspend those taking part. The opening event boasts a $25 million prize pot with an eye-watering $4 million going to this week's individual winner and there was a buzz of excitement at the course near St Albans.
Forty eight rebel players led by the likes of Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson teed off at the Centurion Club just north of London to begin the first of eight events in the Saudi Arabia-financed LIV Invitational Series. ST ALBANS (England): Even as the first balls were struck at the most lucrative tournament in golf's history the bitter power struggle rocking the sport's foundations intensified on Thursday.
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