Graeme McDowell included in field for opening event of controversial Saudi-backed tour

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell has been named among the list of competitors for the first event of the controversial LIV Golf Invitational Series.

The Portrush golfer is set to join names including Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Ian Poulter at the opening event at Centurion Golf Club outside London from June 9-11.

The field was released overnight but did not include Phil Mickelson.

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McDowell now looks set to play at the event despite recent reports that he was reconsidering his position on the series. His involvement could end his hopes of becoming Ryder Cup captain.

The 54-hole event has a prize fund of $20million and offers $3.1million to the winner.

Meanwhile, Jack Nicklaus has pledged that his Memorial Tournament will fall in line with the PGA Tour if it bans or suspends players for competing in the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

The PGA Tour has refused to grant players the required releases to contest the first event at Centurion Club next week, with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman vowing to “defend, reimburse and represent” any players sanctioned if they play regardless.

Asked if competing in the LIV events would place invitations to his tournament at risk, Nicklaus said in a pre-event press conference: “The PGA Tour will answer that. I don’t think that’s my question, frankly.

“We live by the rules of whatever the PGA Tour is. That’s what we do.”