Norman: We're not trying to destroy PGA Tour | 'I don't answer to Saudi govt'

Greg Norman says his new Saudi-backed invitational golf series is not trying to destroy the PGA Tour, hoping instead that the new venture offers players more choice and grows the game.

Norman is the chief executive of LIV Golf Investments, which will stage its inaugural tournament worth a record $25m at the Centurion Club near St Albans between June 9-11.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News' Jamie Weir, Norman also defended the source of the $2bn financial backing that comes from the Saudi's Public Investment Fund, insisting "I do not answer to Saudi Arabia" amid accusations of 'sports washing' given the country's human rights record.

Golfers who have already sought permission to play the inaugural Centurion event include six-time major winner Phil Mickelson and English stars Lee Westwood and Richard Bland. Others rumoured to be interested include Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer, but Norman has refused to label the LIV Series a 'breakaway' tour.

Norman would not confirm any participants but said he was "very proud" at the number of top golfers LIV has got to commit.

"The releases having been submitted, and we're going to see what happens with the European Tour and the PGA Tour, but I can tell you this though: 36 of the top 150 players are playing, there's 19 of the top 100, and six of the top 50 in that first event. Which is pretty impressive.

"And pretty impressive because there's been a lot of white noise saying players wouldn't even show up.

"I've been very proud that players have been making their choices as independent contractors, to make a decision to go and play golf wherever they want to go and play golf.

"I'm very proud of the fact that we've given them this opportunity. Me as a player,