sport news Rory McIlroy welcomes the suspension of Saudi defectors from the PGA Tour trends now
Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy have welcomed the PGA Tour's decision to suspend players competing in the LIV Golf Invitational Series, a move branded 'vindictive' by the Saudi-backed breakaway.
Within 30 minutes of the first shots being struck in the £20million event - the most lucrative golf tournament in history - the PGA Tour sent a memo to all members informing them that 17 players competing at Centurion, despite being refused permission, were being suspended.
The list included six-time major winner Phil Mickelson, who holds Lifetime Membership of the PGA Tour, former World No 1 Dustin Johnson and European stars Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monhan crashed the Saudis' party on the opening day of the inaugural event as he accused the defectors of making 'their choice for their own financial-based reasons' and claimed the tour's 'legacy can't be bought or sold'.
Monahan's stance received the support of US PGA champion Thomas and four-time major winner McIlroy, who spoke to reporters after completing their first rounds in Canada.
'All he (Monahan) is doing is basically going by the book,' said McIlroy, who has been one of the most outspoken against the Saudi-backed breakaway in recent months.
Rory McIlroy (left) and Justin Thomas (right) have welcomed the suspension of Saudi rebels from the PGA Tour on Thursday
A bombshell letter from the PGA Tour announced that all defecting members to rebel Saudi Invitational series have been suspended, in a huge shake-up for golf's biggest names
Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Co teed off in the inaugural LIV Golf Series event
'I think that the majority of the membership that are here this week and that haven't went and played elsewhere really appreciate that.
'So I think he's done the right thing because these guys have broken rules and done things outside of the tournament regulations, and because of that, there are going to be consequences, I guess.'
'I'm pleased,' Thomas added. 'I think anybody that's shocked clearly hasn't been listening to the message that Jay and everybody's been putting out. They took that risk going into it, whether they thought it was a risk or not.
'Like I've said the whole time, I have great belief and great confidence in the PGA Tour and where we're going and continuing to grow to, and those guys just aren't going to be a part of it.'
McIlroy and Thomas, who are both in the World top ten, backed the stance while competing at the RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour this week
Ten of the 17 rebels had already resigned from the Tour and those players will be removed from the FedEx Cup points list following the end of the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday.
Crucially, they will also not be allowed to exploit a potential loophole and play PGA Tour events as a non-member via sponsor's exemptions.
Mickelson and Poulter are among those who have not announced their resignation from the Tour.
Six-time major champion Mickelson is among those who have not announced their resignation
Poulter, seven-time Ryder Cup Team Europe member, revealed he intended to appeal against his suspension.
He said on Thursday night: 'I will appeal for sure if that's exactly what it says (in the PGA letter).
'It makes no sense how I have played the game of golf all this time. I haven't done anything wrong. I am playing the game I love and they're going to take that opportunity away. It's disappointing.'
Ian Poulter on Thursday evening revealed he intended to appeal against his suspension
In a letter addressed to tour members, Monahan outlined his tough stance and made it clear the same punishment will apply to players who enter future LIV competitions, with Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed expected to join in the coming weeks.
'These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,' PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote.
'But they can't demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you. That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners.
Bryson DeChambeau (pictured) and Patrick Reed are expected to join in the coming weeks
'In accordance with the PGA Tour's Tournament Regulations, the players competing this week without releases are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play, including the Presidents Cup.
'Their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations. The same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations.'
LIV Golf swiftly hit back with a statement which read: 'Today's announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members.
'It's troubling that the Tour, an organisation dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing.
'This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond.'
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan accused players of 'willfully violating regulation'
Johnson's decision to resign his PGA Tour membership means he is no longer
