Notable golf names such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Patrick Reed, are taking part in the inaugural LIV Golf tournament in London this week and they chose to do so knowing that the PGA Tour might decide to suspend them from participating in their events.
That’s exactly what happened as the PGA Tour announced Thursday that it would be suspending all 17 Tour players who are participating as well as any who do so in the future.
PGA Tour suspends current and future LIV players. pic.twitter.com/lKhxo27Ida
— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) June 9, 2022
“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote in a memo to the tour’s membership. “But they can’t demand the same PGA TOUR membership benefits, considerations, opportunities, and platform as you. That 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.”
One PGA Tour golfer who is pleased with the decision is Justin Thomas. The two-time PGA Championship winner had previously said he was “disappointed” with those who went to play for the Saudi-backed golf league. On Thursday, he said that they shouldn’t be surprised by the news that they can’t play on the PGA Tour, which he previously called “the best place to play in the world,” for now.
Justin Thomas says he is "pleased" with the PGA Tour's decision to suspend 17 golfers who are competing in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational:
"I have great belief and great confidence in the PGA Tour … and those guys just aren't gonna be apart of it." pic.twitter.com/s4RQpyLgZo
— The Recount (@therecount) June 9, 2022
“I’m pleased and I think that anyone who’s shocked clearly hasn’t been listening to the message that Jay and everybody’s been putting out,” Thomas said on Thursday afternoon. “They took that risk going into it, whether they thought it was a risk or not. I have great belief and great confidence in the PGA Tour and where we’re going and those guys just aren’t gonna be a part of it.”
Thomas is set to play in the U.S. Open next week where he might come face-to-face with many of the golfers that have been suspended. Since the U.S. Open is run by USGA, many of the LIV Golf golfers are able to play in both.
