Players on Saudi golf series set to face disciplinary action by PGA

Players joining a new Saudi-backed golf series will face disciplinary action, the PGA Tour warned on Wednesday in the wake of Dustin Johnson's shock decision to join the money-spinning new venture.

In a brief statement, the PGA Tour said that any player participating in events on the LIV Golf Invitational Series without authorisation would be subject to sanctions.

On Tuesday, former world number one Johnson was named on a list of 42 players who will take part in the lucrative LIV series' opening event outside London next week, which clashes with the PGA Tour's RBC Canadian Open in Toronto.

"As communicated to our entire membership on 10 May, PGA Tour members have not been authorized to participate in the Saudi Golf League's London event, under PGA Tour Tournament Regulations," the PGA Tour said in a statement.

"Members who violate the Tournament Regulations are subject to disciplinary action."

The statement did not provide any information on what sanctions the rebel golfers playing in LIV events might face.

In the past, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has warned that anyone joining a rival venture could be excluded from Tour events and face a possible lifetime ban.

ESPN reported on Wednesday that Monahan had been in talks with several player agents on the sidelines of this week's Memorial Tournament in Ohio on Wednesday with a simple message that players would not be allowed to play both LIV and PGA Tour events.

While two-time major winner Johnson was the biggest name revealed on Tuesday, other players included two-time major winner Martin Kaymer, and major champions Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen and Graeme McDowell.

European Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood were also named in the field.

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