PGA will punish those who play the LIV Golf International Series

the american circuit PGA warned this Wednesday of possible sanctions for players who participate from next week in the LIV Golf Invitational Seriesthe new golf competition backed by Saudi Arabia.

The notice of PGA It comes a day after the surprising decision of the American was known Dustin Johnsonformer number one in the world ranking, to participate in the inaugural event of the series next week outside of Londonwhich coincides with the canada open of PGA.

“As communicated to all our members on May 10, the members of the PGA Tour have not been authorized to participate in the event London from Saudi Golf League“he recalled PGA in a short statement.

“Members who violate the Tournament Regulations They are subject to disciplinary measures“, he stressed.

The notice does not specify the type of sanctions golfers playing in LIV Series events could face.

However, as a consequence, the adverse results for the players are already being felt Justin Johnson y Greame McDowellwho lost the patronage of the Royal Bank of Canada. McDowell is also among those who would go to participate in the Saudi event.

In the past, the commissioner of PGA, Jay Monahanhad warned that any player joining a rival competition could be banned from circuit events and face a lifetime ban.

the sports chain ESPN reported on Wednesday that Monahan has been in talks with various player agents on the sidelines of the Memorial Tournament of this week in Ohio (Cleveland), conveying the message that the series will not be compatible LIV with tournaments PGA.

Dustin Johnsonwinner of two tournaments Grand Slamis the most prominent figure in the entry list for the new competition’s inaugural event, which was revealed on Tuesday.

Apart from Johnsoncurrently at number 13 in the ranking, only another member of the top-20 of PGAthe south african Louis Oosthuizen (20º).

Other golfers included are Spanish Sergio Garcíachampion of Augusta Masters of 2017, and other winners of ‘Major’ tournaments such as Charl Schwartzel y Graeme McDowell.

‘I understand them’

Preparing to compete in the Memorial Tournamentthe former world number one Rory McIlroy was one of the first stars to react to Tuesday’s announcement, with a call not to penalize colleagues who compete in London.

“I certainly don’t think they should pull out the hammer“, answered McIlroy when asked if he believed that the authorities of PGA They had to respond harshly.

“They are within their rights to enforce the rules and regulations that have been established. But it’s going to end up being a discussion about what those rules and regulations are,” the four-time Grand Slam winner said. “It’s not something I would personally do. But I understand why some of them have gone“.

McIlroy33, expressed his understanding for players who, seeing the end of their careers, opt for this opportunity to get big prizes.

The inaugural event of the competition in Albansto the north of Londonwill offer the largest prize pool in the history of golf: $25 millionalmost twice as much as any other major tournament, with $4 million going to the winner.

“You’ve got some guys in a position where they literally they are not guaranteed a job next year“, he claimed McIlroy. Now “another entity comes along and says: ‘We guarantee this amount for three yearsbesides that you play for a ton more prize moneyand you play fewer events, you can spend more time with your family.”

“When you sit and look at some of those things, it’s very attractive to some of the guys who are in that position“, he stressed.

The veteran does not appear in the list of participants of the inaugural event Phil Mickelsonwho has not competed since controversial comments in support of the new competition were made public in February.

The American then pointed out that, despite the “horrible human rights record” in Saudi Arabiawould consider getting involved in the project as a way to push for improvements for players on the circuit PGA.