PGA Tour warns golfers against participating in controversial tournament | Sport

“As communicated to our entire membership base on May 10, PGA Tour members have not been allowed to participate in the Saudi Golf League event in London,” the PGA Tour said. No announcements were made about possible penalties.

In addition to Johnson, South African Louis Oosthuizen also plans to participate in the lucrative LIV Golf Invitational Series. Saudi Arabia finances the tournament in England with 25 million dollars (converted 23.3 million euros). That is the largest prize pool in professional golf history.

“Dustin has thought about this possibility from time to time in recent years,” said Johnson’s manager David Winkler. “In the end, he has decided that it is in his own interest and that of his family. He thought this was too attractive to pass up.”

Royal Bank of Canada has announced that it is breaking its sponsorship deal with Johnson after the decision of the former world number 1. The same goes for Graeme McDowell from Northern Ireland. “As a result of the decisions of professional golfers Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell to play the LIV Golf Invitational Series opener, RBC is terminating the sponsorship deal with both players,” the bank said in a statement. “We wish them every success for the future.”