PGA Tour suspends players taking part in first LIV Golf tournament

PGA Tour have officially announced that they will suspend all golfers participating in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event as it is in violation of their "tournament regulations".

Those playing in the breakaway series have been notified that they are suspended and are no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournaments.

"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 event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced.

"The same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations."

Past major winners Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia are included on the list of 17 golfers no longer permitted to play in the PGA Tour tournaments as a non-member via a sponsor exemption or any other eligibility category.

PGA Tour suspends current and future LIV players. pic.twitter.com/lKhxo27Ida

— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) June 9, 2022

Mickelson, who previously held a lifetime eligibility to the PGA Tour, said on Wednesday he didn't plan on quitting the Tour as he had earned the right to participate as he has "a lifetime membership which he has earned, and worked hard for."

LIV Golf responded to the PGA Tour's decision to suspend players saying: "Today's announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members.”

"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."