Following on from the American PGA Tour, the European DP World Tour will also penalize golfers who participated in the controversial LIV Golf Invitational Series. Golfers who switch can count on a fine and suspension.
The organization of the DP World Tour, previously known as the European Tour, fines golfers who participate in the LIV Series a fine of more than 116,000 euros. In addition, they will also not be allowed to participate in the Scottish Open and two tournaments in the United States next month.
With the penalties, the DP World Tour follows the example of the PGA Tour, the traditional organizer of a number of classic tournaments. The American organization previously excluded all members who participate in the Saudi tour, which is funded by billions of euros from Saudi Arabia.
“Every decision someone makes in life has consequences,” said DP World Tour director Keith Pelley. “That also applies to top sport, especially if someone breaks the rules. Some of our members have done that and that’s why we made this decision.”
The Dutch golfers Joost Luiten, Wil Besseling, Darius van Driel and Daan Huizing have a playing card for the DP World Tour. None of the Dutchmen switched to the LIV Series for the time being. Big names like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka did.
The first tournament of the LIV Golf tour took place in London two weeks ago. There was 25 million dollars to be made; the largest prize pool in professional golf history. The second tournament of the controversial tour starts on June 30 in Oregon, USA.