'Player will want to be a part of it' - Big names expected at Saudi-backed LIV series despite threat of PGA ban

Ian Poulter has said he expects more big names to sign up for the Saudi-backed LIV series on eve of its inaugural tee-off. The British golfer is among those participating at the invitational event at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire worth $25m, the first of eight worth an accumulative $255m making it the world's most lucrative golf event.

Ad/> Professionals have come under fire for accepting money from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) /> Golf'I choose not to speak' — Mickelson refuses to deny he has been banned by PGA Tour3 HOURS AGO Yet while the PGA Tour has threatened bans for any of its members that play in the LIV events, Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia have already resigned their tour membership in order to focus on the series. Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed are also expected to sign up, with Phil Mickelson expected at the tee on Friday.

And Poulter believes that other will want to be a part of it. “I definitely see other top players watching on this week and wanting to be a part of it,” Poulter said.

“There’s a huge investment coming into the game of golf and sport in general. Definitely, other players will be looking in with interest this week and I think they will want to come and see what it’s all about.

'I choose not to speak' — Phil Mickelson refuses to deny he has been banned by PGA Tour Dustin Johnson resigns from PGA Tour to play LIV golf series “The team format has always been something which most people have always gravitated to and had their best time on the golf course. So it is a vast sum of money, but it’s a great platform to be able to build the game of golf and give back at the same time.” Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson is rumoured to receive $200m for taking part in the