Ian Poulter admits the first LIV Golf Invitational Series event retains "lots of pluses", despite being denied permission to play by the PGA Tour. Poulter joins Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson as the most high-profile players known to have asked for the required release to play the 54-hole event at Centurion Club, which boasts a total prize fund of $20.2million and $3.2million to the winner. However, PGA Tour members were informed last week that releases had not been granted, leaving them open to sanctions if they do tee it up in St Albans from June 9-11. Those could include fines or bans from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, placing future participation in the Ryder Cup as a player or captain in jeopardy, although LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has pledged to "defend, reimburse and represent" any players hit by sanctions.