Garcia 'not bothered' by PGA Tour suspension

ST ALBANS, England : Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia said he was "not bothered" by the PGA Tour's decision to suspend 17 players who took part in the opening event of the inaugural LIV Invitational Series near London on Thursday.

The launch of the series, which boasts an eye-popping $255 million prize fund over eight events, has sparked a power struggle in golf and accusations of "sportswashing" by Saudi Arabia whose Public Investment Fund (PIF) is funding the breakaway venture.

Garcia, who joined twice major champion Dustin Johnson and others in resigning his PGA membership to play in the LIV series in order to avoid a legal fight, stood by his decision after firing a one-over 71 in the first round of the 54-hole event.

Asked about the suspension, announced in a letter by PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan shortly after play started, the 42-year-old Spaniard said: "That's up to him. But it doesn't bother me. I'm very happy where I am.

"And I'm excited. I'm excited for this tour. I resigned a week and a half ago. So whatever the PGA Tour says doesn't go with me because I'm not a member."

Monahan said even those who have resigned from the PGA Tour will not be able to use sponsors' exemptions as a loophole, meaning the likes of Garcia and Johnson will have greatly reduced playing schedules this year.

"I'm very happy to be here for many reasons, because it's going to allow me to do what I love, which is playing golf and to see my family more, spend more time with my kids and make a good living while doing it," Garcia said.

"So for me, it's a win win."

Six-times major champion Phil Mickelson, a long-time PGA Tour member who has not resigned, refused to answer questions on the subject after firing a one-under-par round of 69 on