PGA Tour golfers won't get releases to play in Saudi-backed rival league: reports

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The PGA Tour denied releases for golfers looking to compete in the rival Saudi-backed league, according to multiple reports.

The tour told players who are seeking releases Tuesday afternoon and notified all players of the decision in a memo, the Associated Press reported. The first LIV Golf Invitational is set for June 9-11 at Centurion Golf Club outside London.

"We have notified those who have applied that their request has been declined in accordance 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," the memo read.

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PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan speaks to the media during a press conference prior to THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 8, 2022 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

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

Greg Norman is the CEO of LIV Golf Investments, funded primarily by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The league’s first tournament will have a 48-man field competing for a $20 million purse over 52 holes. The winner gets $4 million and last place gets $120,000.

Phil Mickelson said through his agent he asked for a conflicting event release to the London event. Lee Westwood confirmed last week he asked the PGA Tour and European tour for a lease. Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer and Ian Poulter were also among those who sought releases, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Five of LIV Golf’s tournaments are scheduled for the U.S., a direct