PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has come down hard on 17 players who have chosen to play in the LIV Series, suspending them indefinitely, removing them from the Fed Ex Cup points list, and the Presidents Cup
Below is his statement.
I wish to provide you with an update and share information regarding the current and former PGA Tour players who are participating in the Saudi Golf League's event in London today Thank you for your trust, patience and loyalty.
We have followed the tournament regulations from start to finish in responding to those players who have decided to turn their backs on the PGA Tour by willfully violating a regulation.
Simultaneous to you receiving this memo, the players are being notified that they are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play, including the Presidents Cup. This applies to all tours sanctioned by the PGA Tour, the Korn Ferry, the PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamerica ... As you know, players listed below did not receive the necessary conflicting event and media rights releases -- or did not apply for releases at all -- and their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf events is in violation of our tournament regulations. The same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our regulations.
Players who resigned will be removed from the FedEx Cup points list when the statistics are posted following the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday evening. To be clear these players will not be permitted to play in PGA Tour events as non-members or via sponsor exemptions.
For those who haven't yet resigned, we will ensure they will not negatively impact your tournament eligibility, your Priority Rankings or your eligibility to compete in the Fed Ex Cup playoffs. We will update you as we work through this process.
You probably have more questions. What's next ? Can these players come back. Can they eventually play on the PGA Tour Champions ? Trust we are prepared to deal with those questions and will approach them in the same way we have this entire process by being transparent, and respecting the PGA Tour regulations you have have helped establish.
These players have made their choice for their own financial reasons, but they can't demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platforms as you. The expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners.
You have made a different choice, which is to abide by the Tournament Regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA Tour card, and more importantly to compete as part of the preeminent organization in the world of professional golf.
I am certain our fans and partners -- who are surely tired of all this talk of money, money and more money -- will continue to be entertained and compelled by the world-class competition you display each and every week, where there are true consequences for every shot you take and your rightful place in history whenever you reach that elusive winner's circle.
You are the PGA Tour, and this moment is about what we stand for: the PGA Tour membership as a whole. It's about lifting up those who choose to not only benefit from the TOUR but also play an integral role in building it . I know you are with us and vice versa. Our partner are with us too. The fact that your former TOUR colleagues can't say that should be telling.
This week the RBC Canadian Open is a shining example of what you have built, a star studded field, a committed sponsor, sold out hospitality offerings, record crowds, and a global broadcast distribution.
These elements are part of the PGA Tour DNA, built by the likes of Jack and Arnie, followed by Tiger and countless others whose legacies are inextricably linked with each other and the PGA Tour. This collectively legacy cannot be bought or sold.
The LIV Series responded with this statement:
Today's announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members," said LIV Golf in a statement provided as a response to the suspensions. "It's troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond.
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