Greg Norman accuses PGA over super league 'threats'

Greg Norman has accused the PGA Tour of «bullying and threatening» its players for suggesting they face a lifetime ban if they take part in his Saudi-funded super league.

The former world number one also states that the tour has, for decades, put its own financial interests ahead of those of its players.

In his first response since Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson unexpectedly backed the status quo rather than joining the proposed breakaway circuit, Norman has written an open letter to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.

«When you try to bluff and intimidate players by bullying and threatening them, you are guilty of going too far, being unfair, and you likely are in violation of the law,» Norman writes.

BBC Sport has approached the PGA Tour for a response.

The Australian is chief executive of Liv Golf Investments who are trying to set up the Super Golf League using Saudi Arabia's Public Investment fund for financial backing.

He contends that Monahan has threatened anyone who chooses to play on his proposed circuit with suspensions.

On Tuesday, the commissioner addressed players at this week's Honda Classic in Florida. Sources suggest Monahan told anyone planning to defect to leave his tour but that lifetime bans were not mentioned.

All of the world's top 10 golfers have now sided with the PGA Tour and American Olympic champion Xander Schauffele is the latest to say he has no intention of defecting.

«Surely you jest,» the Australian begins his letter to the commissioner. «And surely, your lawyers at the PGA Tour must be holding their breath.

»As has been widely reported, you have threatened the players on the PGA Tour, all of whom are independent contractors, with lifetime bans if they decide to play golf in a league