PGA Suspends 17 Golfers for Playing in LIV Event, Mickelson Responds to Criticism

Dustin Johnson of the United States tees off on the 1st hole during day one of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club, in St Albans, England, on June 9, 2022. Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

The PGA Tour suspended 17 golfers for their participation Thursday in the first-ever LIV Golf event at the Centurion Club in St Albans, north of London.

Inaugural tee shots were first hit by Former World #1 and current highest ranked LIV participant and World #13 Dustin Johnson, followed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Phil Mickelson.

Eight of the players resigned their membership from the PGA Tour prior to the LIV tournament as a preemptive measure to disciplinary action by the PGA.

U.S. golfer Dustin Johnson (L) shakes hands with US golfer Phil Mickelson (R) on the first tee on the first day of the LIV Golf Invitational Series event at The Centurion Club in St. Albans, north of London, on June 9, 2022. Adrian Dennis/Getty Images

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has been stating for several months that he would take action in the best interest of the PGA.

Monahan notified the 17 players that they are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play, including the Presidents Cup; and any other PGA sanctioned events including the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour Canada, and PGA Tour Latin America.

The memo explained that the 17 players did not receive the approval to participate in a conflicting event or obtain media rights releases—or did not apply for necessary releases.

Thus participation in the LIV golf event is “in violation” of PGA tournament regulations and also applies to future participants in Saudi golf league events.

Also included in the memo, “the players who have resigned their membership will be removed from the FedExCup Points List when the official statistics following the RBC Canadian Open are posted on Sunday evening. These players will not be permitted to play in PGA TOUR tournaments as a non-member via a sponsor exemption or any other eligibility category.”

“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,” wrote Monahan. “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.”

Regarding players’ ability to return to the PGA TOUR in the future, “Trust that we’re prepared to deal with those questions and we’ll approach them in the same we have this entire process: by being transparent and respecting the PGA TOUR regulations that you helped establish.”

Members of the team Majesticks GC (From L) English golf player Laurie Canter, English golf player Ian Poulter, English golf player Sam Horsfield, and English golf player Lee Westwood pose during a press conference ahead of the forthcoming LIV Golf Invitational Series event at The Centurion Club in St Albans, north of London, on June 8, 2022. Adrian Dennis/Getty Images

“I think like everyone else, I’m a my I’m intrigued, and I’m a fan of golf,” said Rory McIlroy at a press conference at the RBC Canadian Open. “I’ve got quite a few guys over there that I call friends that are playing. Of course I'll see it and watch it and see what all the fuss is about.”

Phil Mickelson:

In a press conference on Wednesday, Mickelson adamantly stated, “I do not condone human rights violations. I don’t know how I can be any more clear.”

“I love this game of golf. I’ve seen the good that it’s done,” said Mickelson. “And I see the opportunity for LIV Golf to do a lot of good for the game throughout the world, and I’m excited to be about a part of this opportunity.

“I have a lot of strong opinions on things that should and could be a lot better,” Mickelson said. “One of the mistakes I’ve made is is voicing those publicly. So I will really make an effort to keep those conversations behind closed doors going forward.”

When asked if his apologies were “for speaking the truth about the Saudis way up sorry for the shameless hypocrisy of taking their money anyway,” Mickelson replied that “many people have very strong opinions and may disagree with my decision, and I can empathize with that. But at this time, this is an opportunity that gives me a chance to have the most balance in my life going forward, and I think this is going to do a lot of good for the game.

“I’ve seen [the game of golf] unify and bring people together and I love that I’m a part of this sport,” added Mickelson. “I love that. This game has given me so much. And it is fun for me to give back and to bring this game on a global scale throughout the world.”

In regards to his time away from the PGA Tour this year, Mickelson happily responded, “I’ve had an awesome time. I’ve had a four-month break from the game that I have not had and over three decades. I’ve had an opportunity to spend time with my wife, Amy—have a bunch of travel [to different] parts of the world.”

“It’s given me a time to continue some of the work and therapy that I’ve been working on some areas that I’m deficient in my life,” added Mickelson. “It’s given me time to reflect on what I want to do going forward, what’s best for me [and] the people I care about. I feel so good about it.”

PGA Tour List of 17 Suspended

The following players are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible for PGA TOUR tournament play:

Sergio Garcia* Talor Gooch Branden Grace* Dustin Johnson* Matt Jones Martin Kaymer* Graeme McDowell* Phil Mickelson Kevin Na* Andy Ogletree Louis Oosthuizen* Turk Pettit* Ian Poulter Charl Schwartzel* Hudson Swafford Peter Uihlein Lee Westwood*

(* have informed the PGA TOUR that they have resigned their membership)