PGA Tour to discipline players competing in the LIV Championship

Multiple sources have told The Post that the PGA Tour will reaffirm its tough stance against the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series and announce disciplinary action on Thursday morning for the PGA players who will compete in the LIV Championship in London this week. This action will likely include a suspension, although the severity of the penalties can vary on a case-by-case basis.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on behalf of the PGA Tour.

Whether the sport’s other governing bodies, such as the Augusta National, which operates the Masters, the PGA of America, which operates the PGA Championship, or R&A, which oversees the British Open, will align with the PGA Tour. . With Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed among the latest players to defect, the belief, according to sources, is that the PGA Tour has turned to other golf organizations for support as a way to prevent more players from dropping out of the tour.

The USA said this week that it will not ban Saudi League players from playing in next week’s US Open at Brooklyn (Massachusetts) Country Club. Phil Mickelson, who has not played in an event since late January, confirmed Wednesday that he will play there.

The PGA Tour did not immediately respond when contacted by The Post on Wednesday.

Ricky Fowler told The Post he’s still thinking about what to do. According to the sources, it is believed that other players, including Adam Scott and Harold Varner III, are also considering a jump to the Saudi League.

Mickelson, while neither confirming nor denying whether he is currently on hold or served suspension by the PGA Tour, said he has not resigned from his tour membership. DeChambeau also said he didn’t. This would leave them subject to potential disciplinary action through the tour. On the other hand, Dustin Johnson said that he has resigned as a member of the Tour, which means that the Tour will not be able to sanction him immediately.

Whatever happens, the power struggle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf likely won’t end anytime soon and may eventually lead to legal action by players who have been suspended or banned by the PGA Tour.