Dustin Johnson will not play at the RBC Canadian Open in Toronto next week. Instead, he will headline the first LIV Golf Series event in London, England.
Johnson, who is sponsored by RBC, was one of 42 players nominated on the field for the first tournament in the upcoming golf series which is backed by funds from the Saudi Arabian Sovereign Heritage Fund. The tournament will begin on June 9, the same day as the first round of the RBC Canadian Open.
RBC and Golf Canada were reportedly surprised by Johnson’s desertion, which was part of the tournament’s promotional material. The financial institution issued a statement that left little doubt about his discomfort.
“RBC is a proud partner of the PGA Tour. Our partnership is anchored in two world-class golf tournaments: the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open. The PGA Tour has made its intentions clear in accordance with its regulations. tournament if a golfer decides to play in an off-tour tournament, including the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
“We recently learned that Dustin Johnson has made the decision to play the opening of the LIV Golf Invitational Series. DJ has been a valuable member of the RBC team since 2018. Although we are very disappointed with his decisions, We wish you the best. “
Golf Canada was equally disappointed with Johnson’s decision.
“Together with our RBC partners, we are disappointed to learn at this late stage that Dustin Johnson has made the decision to play at the LIV Golf event,” he wrote in his statement. “As a former RBC Canadian Open champion, Canadian golf fans have been looking forward to the return of DJs this year. Canada “.
Johnson, currently 13th in the world, was the biggest surprise on the list of confirmed players. Earlier this year, he made a statement in support of the PGA Tour and pledging his loyalty to the organization.
In a tweet posted by Rex Hoggard of Golf Channel, Johnson’s agent explained the change of heart. “Dustin has been contemplating the opportunity from time to time for the past two years. Ultimately, he decided it was in his best interest for him and his family to pursue it. Dustin has never had a problem with the PGA Tour. and he is grateful for everything he has given him, but in the end, I felt that this was too convincing to let go of. “
While Johnson was the biggest surprise on the list, the 37-year-old was not the only one. Graeme McDowell, also an RBC ambassador, is featured as a player at the LIV event, which will be held at the Centurion Golf Club.
Other players taking part in the inaugural LIV tournament include grand champions Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel. Kevin Na, Ian Poulter, Hudson Swafford, Talor Gooch and Lee Westwood are also confirmed to play.
There is room for one more player and five golfers who will register through a qualifying tournament. It is hoped that the only place left in the field could go to Phil Mickelson.
All registered players who are members of the PGA Tour were rejected for launches to play in the LIV event and it remains to be seen what the punishment will be.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has stated in the past that it could be as severe as a lifetime ban.
The LIV event will have a $ 25 million bag and the winner will win $ 4 million. The RBC Canadian Open has a $ 8.7 million bag and the champion is claiming $ 1.5 million.