“Obviously right now it’s hard to talk about what the consequences will be, but for now, I’ve given up my PGA Tour membership. Now we’re all going to play at the exact same time, the exact same conditions, so it’s going to be a real test.” . – Dustin Johnson
Last updated: 07/06/22 13:10
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Dustin Johnson confirmed at a LIV press conference on Tuesday that he has officially resigned from the PGA Tour
Dustin Johnson confirmed at a LIV press conference on Tuesday that he has officially resigned from the PGA Tour
Dustin Johnson has confirmed that he has given up the PGA Tour to compete in the LIV Golf Invitational Series, funded by Saudi Arabia.
Speaking alongside other winners Louis Oosthuizen and Graeme McDowell at a LIV press conference at the Centurion Club on Tuesday, Johnson said he had resigned from his PGA Tour membership, making him ineligible for the Ryder Cup. next year.
The former world number 1 expressed his enthusiasm for the controversial new format, adding that he believes it will be a “real test”.
“Obviously at this point it’s hard to talk about what the consequences will be, but for now, I’ve given up my PGA Tour membership,” Johnson said.
“I will play here for now, and that is the plan.
“What the consequences will be, I can’t comment on how the tour will be handled.
Johnson’s resignation from the PGA Tour makes him ineligible for next year’s Ryder Cup
“Seniors, again I can’t answer for them, but hopefully they’ll let us play. I’m obviously exempt from seniors, so I plan to play unless I hear the opposite.
“Was [a difficult decision to resign knowing it would make him ineligible for the Ryder Cup]but we hope that all things will be subject to change and at some point it will change and we will be able to participate.
“If not, it was something else that I had to think about a lot and I finally decided to come and do it and play here.
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Eamon Lynch of Golf Channel says Phil Mickelson is “anxious to raise his conscience for a check” after announcing that he will play in the LIV Tour and would probably enjoy the circus if he plays at the U.S. Open next week.
Eamon Lynch of Golf Channel says Phil Mickelson is “anxious to raise his conscience for a check” after announcing that he will play in the LIV Tour and would probably enjoy the circus if he plays at the U.S. Open next week.
“The Ryder Cup is amazing and something that has certainly meant a lot to me, and I’m proud to say that I’ve played and represented in my country, and I hope you get a chance to do it again, but no no make the rules.
“I chose what was best for me and my family.”
On the LIV format supported by Saudi Arabia, Johnson added: “Since I was first introduced to this idea, I thought it was great for the game of golf.
“I was excited about a new format, a new kind of golf that I think is great for the game, it is great for the fans and I think it will be very exciting.
“I’m excited to play. There are three rounds, no cut, it’s a shotgun start, so for me everyone is playing in the same condition.
“We see it all the time where you can get the bad part of a draw, and unfortunately it is, but now we would all play at the exact same time, the exact same conditions, so it will really be a real test.
“Whoever wins, there’s no:‘ Well, maybe if I had left early on the first day I could have won the golf tournament, ’” is a real test to see who plays better this week.
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Golf author and journalist Alan Shipnuck explains how the Saudi Golf League can change golf as we know it and how the PGA Tour threatens
Golf author and journalist Alan Shipnuck explains how the Saudi Golf League can change golf as we know it and how the PGA Tour threatens
“The team part is exciting and it’s something new and different. I’m excited to do it.
“I look at Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, golf colleague, these are some of the best moments you have playing golf.
“I am just excited about this.
“I hope he’s captain, we’ll see tonight.”
Johnson, who claimed the Master’s degree in 2020 and the U.S. Open title in 2016, has amassed $ 74 million over the course of the PGA Tour and recently, in late February, stated that he was fully committed to the PGA Tour.
“A lot [has changed] for the last few months, but at that time I was committed to playing the PGA Tour, “he said.
“I am very grateful for the PGA Tour and everything that has been done for me, I have done quite well over the last 15 years.
“But that ‘s something I thought was best for me and my family, and I’m really excited to play.
Johnson earned his master’s degree in 2020
“Obviously this is the first week, and it’s something exciting, new and great for the game of golf. That’s why I’m here.
“I don’t want to play golf for the rest of my life, which I thought I probably should.
“This was a new thing and I enjoy doing a lot of other things besides golf. It gives me a chance to spend more time with my family, doing the things I enjoy doing and it’s an exciting time.
“I’m excited to be a part of it.”
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