PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan reportedly told agents of tour players priorto The Memorial Tournament to either choose the PGA Tour or the LIV Golf Series Invitational. Playing on both circuits is not an option.
According to ESPN, Monahan told agents at Muirfield Village in Ohio today, after LIV announced their 42-strong field for their inaugural event in the Centurion Club, which included Ireland's Graeme McDowell and former World No. 1 Dustin Johnson.
"As communicated to our entire membership on May 10, 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 on Wednesday.
"Members who violate the Tournament Regulations are subject to disciplinary action."
It's unclear at this time what the disciplinary action might be.
Monahan told players in February that those interested in LIV should "walk out that door now," according to a Golf Channel report.
Two-time major winners Dustin Johnson and Martin Kaymer were among the 42 players announced by LIV Golf on Tuesday.
2010 US Open champion McDowell said: "The perceived consequences are definitely concerning. But as players, we just ask ourselves the question, if we do get banned from the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, for example, is that good for the sport of golf?
"I believe it is not good for the game and I really feel what the guys at LIV have done is they've tried to create a schedule, which especially fits around the PGA Tour.
"It is designed to co-exist with the other tours in the world and let’s just hope that it all works out. The unknowns are a little scary, but I am sure it’s weighed into the decision of every player that’s decided to take the leap. And we just hope that the right decision will be made.
"It was an exceedingly difficult decision. It is a difficult decision as a player when there's so many unknowns. We do not know what the reaction is going to be.
"It just boils down to the fact that I am a business and I have operated all over the world for 20 years. This is a compelling opportunity. It is a fun format and there are some guarantees there.
"It was not a decision I took very lightly. I realised the consequences could be far-ranging. But I felt like it was the right decision for me and my family – to be able to take an opportunity like this and play on something new."
Rory McIlroy softened his stance when asked if the PGA Tour should discipline its players who compete in the LIV events.
"I certainly don't think they should drop the hammer," McIlroy said. "Look, they are well within their rights to enforce the rules and regulations that have been set. But it's going to end up being an argument about what those rules and regulations are.
"I have some very close friends that are playing in this event in London, and I certainly wouldn't want to stand in their way for them to do what they feel is right for themselves.
"It's not something that I would do personally. But I certainly understand why some of the guys have (decided to play in London), and it's something that we are all just going to keep an eye on and see what happens over these next few weeks."
