Greg Norman hits out after PGA Tour blocks player releases for first LIV Golf event

Greg Norman has slammed a decision by the PGA Tour to block player releases for next month’s first LIV Golf International Series event outside London, describing it as “anti-fan and anti-golfer”.

It had been rumoured that Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour Commissioner, was set to allow players to tee up in the event at the Centurion Club due to it being on British soil but would be taking a different stance when it came to Norman’s planned tournaments in the US.

However, PGA Tour members were informed on Tuesday that they will not be granted releases for the LIV Golf launch, meaning they will be subject to sanctions by teeing up at the St Albans venue.

Former world No 1 Lee Westwood and major winners Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer had all confirmed recently that they’d requested releases.

According to a memo obtained by SI.com/Morning Read, the PGA Tour’s decision was relayed to players by senior vice president Tyler Dennis.

It read: “We have notified those who have applied that their request has been declined in according with the PGA Tour Tournament regulations.

“As such, Tour members are not authorized to participate in the Saudi Golf League’s London event under our Regulations.

“As a membership organization, we believe this decision is in the best interest of the PGA Tour and its players.’’

LIV Golf Investments said it had received 170 entries, with 36 ranked among the top 150 in the Official World Golf Ranking, for its 48-man field.

In a statement, LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Norman said: “Sadly, the PGA Tour seems intent on denying professional golfers their right to play golf, unless it’s exclusively in a PGA Tour tournament.

“This is particularly disappointing in light of the Tour’s non-profit status,