ST. ALBANS, England (AP) — Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson has resigned from his PGA Tour membership to compete in the new golf series backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.
The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational, which offers $25 million in prize money, takes place outside London from Thursday.
Johnson said Tuesday he “needs to think long and hard” before quitting the PGA Tour, seemingly ending his hopes of competing in the Ryder Cup for the United States.
“In the end, I decided to come and do this,” Johnson told the Centurion Club. “I’m excited about it. Obviously the Ryder Cup is amazing and something that meant a lot to me. … I hope I get the chance to do it again, but I don’t set the rules.
Johnson, whose last victory was the Saudi International in 2021, is the world No. 13, the highest ranked player in the field. He held the world No. 1 spot longer than any player since Tiger Woods.
“I have chosen what is best for me and my family,” Johnson said, explaining his decision to join the Saudi-based company run by Greg Norman.
Speaking alongside Johnson, former US Open champion Graeme McDowell said he has yet to give up his PGA membership.
“I don’t think I need it,” he said. “I don’t want to get into a legal situation with the PGA Tour.”
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