Financed by Saudi Arabia: PGA Tour bans professionals around Kaymer and Mickelson from participating in new golf series

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Professional golfer Martin Kaymer had considered participating in the new series financed by Saudi Arabia

Photo: Sven Hoppe / dpa

The dispute over the new golf series financed by Saudi Arabia is coming to a head.

The PGA Tour announced it has banned players from attending the inaugural event of the new, rival, multi-million dollar LIV Golf Invitational Series in London.

"We believe it's the best decision for the players and the tour," said Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour president in a statement.

The Golf League makes its debut in London on June 9th.

At the same time, a PGA tournament is taking place in Toronto.

Kaymer and Mickelson interested in new tour

The new golf series, which is also to be played on several of former US President Donald Trump's golf courses, tried in advance to poach players from the PGA Tour with large sums of money.

According to their advisors, former world number one Martin Kaymer and six-time major winner Phil Mickelson had asked to participate in the London tournament.

This event alone is endowed with 20 million US dollars - the winner gets four million dollars.

"Unfortunately, the PGA Tour appears to be intentionally denying pro golfers their right to play golf," said Greg Norman.

The former world no.

Golfers wishing to participate in a non-PGA Tour event must apply for permission from the PGA Tour if an event is being held in North America at the same time.

Violators face severe penalties.

cev/dpa