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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
PA and Darragh Culhane

LIV golf slams 'vindictive' PGA Tour as Graeme McDowell and defectors are banned

The LIV Golf league has slammed the PGA Tour as 'vindictive' after the tour announced suspensions for all those playing in the event.

In a lengthy statement released by commissioner Jay Monahan, the tour said participation in the event is against tour violations.

He said: “In accordance with the PGA Tour’s Tournament Regulations, the players competing this week without releases are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play, including the Presidents Cup,” the statement from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan read.

Read more: Rory McIlroy aims thinly-veiled dig at LIV Golf defectors and decisions 'purely for money'

“This also applies to all tours sanctioned by the PGA Tour: the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamerica.

“Their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations. The same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations.”

And LIV Golf swiftly hit back with a statement which read: “Today’s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members.

“It’s troubling that the Tour, an organisation dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing.

“This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond.”

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