Poulter to appeal PGA Tour ban; McDowell: 'We have spoken to lawyers'

Ian Poulter plans to appeal against his suspension from the PGA Tour after golf's bitter power struggle took a dramatic turn at the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Within minutes of the first shots in the opening event of the run of Saudi-funded tournaments being struck, the PGA Tour responded by banning the 17 players in the field who were playing.

Among them were six-time major winner and lifetime member Phil Mickelson, former world No 1 Dustin Johnson and European stars Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell, although all bar Mickelson had already resigned from the Tour.

Poulter had not resigned and repeatedly insisted he had done nothing wrong, despite being denied the required release to play in the controversial circuit, telling reporters after his opening-round 75: "I've played a lot of tournaments all around the world, this event is no different. It's a shame if they view this as something different.

"I will appeal for sure. It makes no sense. Having two Tour cards and the ability to play golf all over the world, what's wrong with that? I believe I've been given permission in the past to play in events around the world."

Asked why he had been refused permission on this occasion, Poulter added: "I don't know why. We can all make assumptions as to why. Competition is probably the real reason. It's a power struggle and it's just disappointing."

A legal battle between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has always looked inevitable, with the players viewing themselves as independent contractors who should be able to play wherever they wish.

Video: Mickelson refuses to deny he has been banned by PGA Tour (The Independent)

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