Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy.Photo: Tom Pennington/Getty; David Cannon/Getty
GolfersJustin ThomasandRory McIlroyare speaking out following thesuspension of more than a dozen PGA Tour playerswho participated in a Saudi-backed LIV Golf event this week.
In a memo on Thursday, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the suspension of 17 golfers who appeared in the rivalLIV Golf Invitational Seriesin England on Thursday.
“I think anybody that’s shocked clearly hasn’t been listening to the message that Jay [Monahan] and everybody’s been putting out,” Thomas said Thursday at the RBC Canadian Open, according toGolf Channel.
“They took that risk going into it, whether they thought it was a risk or not. Like I’ve said the whole time, I have great belief and great confidence in the PGA Tour and where we’re going and continuing to grow to, and those guys just aren’t going to be a part of it,” he added.
Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner, said he was “pleased” with how the PGA Tour handled the situation.
Rory McIlroy.Ben Jared/Getty Images
McIlroy echoed his competitor’s sentiment, explaining he believes Monahan was “pretty transparent” and that he would act according to PGA Tour regulations.
“So I think he’s done the right thing because these guys have broken rules and done things outside of the tournament regulations, and because of that, there are going to be consequences, I guess,” he continued.
In Thursday’s memo, Monahan outlined the reasoning behind the decision to suspend the players, including golfing legendPhil Mickelson, winner of 45 PGA Tour events, and golferDustin Johnson, a former Masters winner. Johnson had resigned from the PGA Tour before the suspensions were announced.
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The suspended golfers will be ineligible to appear in the Presidents Cup or other tour events. In addition, the PGA Tour will also suspend any other players who participate in LIV Golf tournaments in the future.
The organization said players who have previously resigned their PGA Tour membership will not be allowed to play in its events 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,” Monahan said in the memo. “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.”
source: people.com
