PGA Tour Teed Off at Upstart LIV Golf Series, Suspends 17 players

The world of professional golf has a new rip-roaring rivalry: The PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf.

And it’s bound to lead to a heated summer, on the course and off, as allegations fly and lawsuits likely follow.  

Just as the Greg Norman-led, Saudia Arabain-backed LIV Golf Series was debuting its inaugural tournament at Centurion Club outside of London on Thursday, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced that 17 former and current Tour members who are competing in the event have been suspended, with rumors that lifetime bans could be on the horizon.

This is the first salvo and there’s much to be sorted out. But what is known, at the moment, is this: Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, two-time major champion Dustin Johnson and longtime Ryder Cup participants Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, are no longer eligible to compete in tour events or September’s Presidents Cup. Two other major champions, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed, are said to be joining LIV soon.

Monahan is beyond miffed and has questioned the loyalty of PGA Tour stars who are jumping ship for the mighty bags of gold the Saudis are offering to abandon the mighty U.S. organization that was founded on Dec. 2, 1929.

But here’s something else that’s crucial, a reason why so many more big names might be tempted by the enormous dollars being offered: The PGA does not control golf’s four major tournaments (The Masters, PGA Championship, the U.S. Open and the British Open) and can’t prevent players from participating in those prestigious events.

Beyond money, and golfers even since 1929, have always adored money, a player’s No. 1 goal is winning a major. It completes their resume and cements their legacy

This means you will still be able to lay a wager on them for the U.S. Open which begins June 16 in Brookline, Mass.

So keep an eye on how players fare at the LIV event outside of London – if Johnson plays well, he’s a solid bet to have a good Open – as well as the PGA Tour’s troupe playing at the Canadian Open.

Among the many options available, you can check out the best Pennsylvania Online Casinos here. 

Johnson is currently at +3300 on BetMGM Sportsbook which looks like excellent value.

The LIV’s official website’s mantra is: Golf, But Louder

There should be plenty of noise between now and the conclusion of the U.S. Open on Father’s Day, June 19.

Lots more between now and then, sports fans.