Mcllroy won’t begrudge any player at LIV Invitational

Former world No. 1, Dustin Johnson, is among a number of star golfers set to appear in the new LIV Golf Invitational Series. PHOTO: USA TODAY

Rory McIlroy is not going to London next week to play in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series at the Centurion Club. But he doesn’t begrudge anyone who is, reports usatoday.com.

“I have some very close friends that are playing in this event in London, and I certainly wouldn’t want to stand in their way to do what they feel is right for themselves, McIlroy said Wednesday at Muirfield Village Golf Club, home to The Memorial.

“It’s not something that I would do personally. But I certainly understand why some of the guys have gone, and it’s something that we are all just going to keep an eye on and see what happens over these next few weeks,” he said.

The upstart golf league headed by Greg Norman and backed by Saudi Arabia, announced the field Tuesday night for the first of eight events. Former world No. 1 and two-time major champion Dustin Johnson headlines the field. Earlier this year, Johnson pledged his allegiance to the PGA Tour but hedged a bit when talking at the PGA Championship.

“Dustin has been contemplating the opportunity off-and-on for the past couple of years,” said Johnson’s manager, David Winkle with Hambric Sports, in a statement.

“Ultimately, he decided it was in his and his family’s best interest to pursue it. Dustin has never had any issue with the PGA Tour and is grateful for all it has given him, but in the end, felt this was too compelling to pass up.”

Major champions Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Charles Schwartzel, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell also are in the field, as are Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Kevin Na.

Forty-two of the 48 players were