The PGA Tour would not be granting players release to participate in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational, which holds next month. Robert Garrigus, Phil Mickelson, and Lee Westwood were some of the players on record who requested release to play at the Saudi event, in line with the PGA Rules. But the PGA has denied them release, claiming it would be a violation of their rules and regulations.
In the words of the PGA: “We have notified those who have applied that their request has been declined in accordance with the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations.
“As such, Tour members are not authorized to participate in the Saudi Golf League’s London event under our Regulations.” They further stated that the decision was “in the best interest of the Tour and its players.”
Greg Norman, who is the face of the Saudi-backed League, expressed his disappointment at the PGA’s decision to not release players. He accused the PGA of practicing “illegal monopoly”, saying it was denying players the right to play golf: “Sadly, the PGA Tour seems intent on denying professional golfers their right to play golf unless it’s exclusively in a PGA Tour tournament.
“This is particularly disappointing in light of the Tour’s non-profit status, where its mission is purportedly ‘to promote the common interests of professional tournament golfers.’
“Instead, the Tour is intent on perpetuating its illegal monopoly of what should be a free and open market.
The PGA’s position is not surprising at all as they have not failed to show their position on a proposed Saudi League. They had earlier threatened that any player from the PGA who plays in the Saudi League could face severe consequences. To the PGA, the new League is a threat that it cannot allow to coexist, unlike other leagues.
