[Golf Topic] PGA Tour "Rejects Request to Participate in Saudi-Supported LIV International"

Jay Monahan PGA Tour Commissioner

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…The U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour has prohibited its affiliated players from participating in the inaugural LIV International Golf Series event, a newly established tour.

On the 11th (Korean time), the PGA Tour announced on its website that "players who applied to participate in the first tournament were denied according to PGA Tour regulations," and stated, "Tour members are not allowed to participate in the Saudi Golf League's London event." LIV Golf Investments, led by Saudi Arabian capital, is preparing to launch the new LIV International Series. A total of 48 players are scheduled to compete in the opening event over three days starting June 9 in London, England.

The total prize money is $20 million (approximately 25.5 billion KRW), with the winner's prize at $4 million. Even the last-place finisher will receive $120,000. Phil Mickelson (USA), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Martin Kaymer (Germany), Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood (both England) are known to have requested to participate in the opening event of the PGA Tour. According to the American magazine Sports Illustrated (SI), 170 players applied to participate in the first tournament, including 19 players ranked within the world top 100.

The PGA Tour and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) have threatened disciplinary actions, including expulsion, against players who participate in the new series. The PGA Tour's proactive response from the first event signals the intensification of the conflict. Players now face the choice of whether to participate in the LIV International events while accepting potential sanctions. The LIV International Series plans to hold eight tournaments by October in countries including the United States, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.