The PGA Tour has refused to allow its members to compete in a Saudi-sponsored golf tournament in London next month. Players who had requested permission received denials late Tuesday afternoon.
Because of a history allowing players limited releases for overseas events, the PGA Tour was likely to give waivers for the LIV Golf Invitational near London. (To compete in non-Tour events, all members must get a conflicting event release.)
The decision is thought to be based on a suspicion that the event in the United Kingdom will be cancelled.
is effectively a competitor series LIV Golf, which is supported by the Saudi Arabian dictatorship, has announced an eight-tournament schedule, the second of which will be held July 1-3 in Portland, Oregon, with more to follow.
A PGA Tour spokeswoman declined to provide any details about what was said in the releases to members.
Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood are among those who have expressed interest in competing in the tournament, which boasts a payout of $25 million. Players who play without a green light and defy the Tour will face disciplinary punishment.
is effectively a competitor series LIV Golf, which is supported by the Saudi Arabian dictatorship, has announced an eight-tournament schedule, the second of which will be held July 1-3 in Portland, Oregon, with more to follow.A PGA Tour spokeswoman declined to provide any details about what was said in the releases to members.
Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood are among those who have expressed interest in competing in the tournament, which boasts a payout of $25 million. Players who play without a green light and defy the Tour will face disciplinary punishment.
It’s uncertain whether any player will want to do so, or if anyone will challenge the Tour’s ability to control his calendar.
One player, who spoke to Golfweek on the condition of anonymity, said he has been watching PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan’s reaction since then.
“I’m definitely analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of taking such a risk.” What Jay determines is a critical component of this. “I’ve been asking the PGA Tour for permission to play an overseas ‘tour’ tournament since I originally got my card several years ago,” the golfer added.
“I understand the LIV tour’s initial design was detrimental if the PGA Tour didn’t want to be a part of it. The events are being organized in the short term to be as non-conflicting as possible, which is tough to do. Conflicting events are something we always deal with as players who play many tours, and I don’t see how the LIV tour will be any different until it’s 48 guys locked in for 14 events a season.”
The deadline for players to request waivers to compete in the second Saudi tournament, which will be held July 1-3 at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Portland, Oregon, is next Tuesday, May 17. Because PGA Tour rules prohibits releases for events held on the tour’s own schedule in North America, no applications for that tournament were likely to be approved.
