New golf series to launch in England in June

Greg Norman's Saudi Arabia-backed golf operation has announced a new series of tournaments that will begin in England with a $25m (£19.1m) event this June.

The series will include eight 54-hole events across Europe, America and Asia.

They will comprise a team element with the series worth a total of $255m from an overall investment of $400m.

No players have been announced for the LIV Golf International Series but it is being regarded as the first incarnation of the proposed breakaway Super League.

The controversial project has suffered a number of setbacks in recent weeks after the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson decided to continue their allegiance to the PGA Tour.

Despite being heavily linked with the Super League, Swede Henrik Stenson pledged his loyalty to the status quo by becoming Europe's new Ryder Cup captain earlier this week.

«In year one, there will be a max of 48 players on 12 four-man teams and a truly global field with golfers invited from all tours around the world to beta test the new format,» said a statement from the organisers.

«Each event will have teams comprised of different players determined by a draft the week of the event.»

Norman, chief executive of LIV Golf Investments, said: «Our events are truly additive to the world of golf. We have done our best to create a schedule that allows players to play elsewhere, while still participating in our events.

»I believe players will increasingly make progress in achieving their right to play where they want. We will help in any way possible and will provide golfers with opportunities to achieve their full potential."

The PGA and European-based DP World Tours have previously threatened lifetime bans on defectors to the breakaway project. It remains