PGA Tour refuses to release players for Saudi-backed opener

The PGA Tour has refused to grant releases for players seeking to take part in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series opener in England next month, multiple US media reports said on Tuesday.

In a decision that puts the PGA Tour on a collision course with its players eager to play in the lucrative new series, the tour reportedly said in a memo distributed to members that no releases would be granted.

Any players who go ahead and play in the 9-11 June event at Centurion Golf Club outside London will be deemed to be in violation of tour regulations, opening the door to a possible suspension or exclusion.

Former world number one and reigning PGA Championship champion Phil Mickelson is among the players who had requested a release to play in the tournament, along with England's Lee Westwood.

"We have notified those who have applied that their request has been declined in accordance with the PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations," according to the memo sent to players by PGA Tour senior vice president Tyler Dennis.

"As such, Tour members are not authorised to participate in the Saudi Golf League's London event under our Regulations.

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

Australian golfing great Greg Norman, the chief executive of LIV Golf, hit back at the decision.

"Sadly, the PGA Tour seems intent on denying professional golfers their right to play golf, unless it's exclusively in a PGA Tour tournament," he said in a statement.

"But no matter what obstacles the PGA Tour puts in our way, we will not be stopped. We will continue to give players options that promote the great game of golf globally."

The money-spinning Saudi-backed series will offer purses of