While he wouldn't play in LIV events, he can understand why other golfers would do so. (0:54)
According to sources, Jay Monahan told the agents of the tour players that his message was clear. The players won't be allowed to play on both circuits if they choose the PGA Tour.
After the names of 42 players who will compete in the first event outside of London were released, the PGA Tour issued a statement saying that players would face discipline for disobeying the tour's position.
The Saudi Golf League's London event has not been authorized to be participated in by members of the PGA Tour.
The conflicting-event releases were denied by the PGA Tour. Next week, the first LIV Golf event coincides with the Canadian Open.
Two-time major winnersDustin Johnson and Martin Kaymer and four other major winners are on the list that was released by LIV Golf on Tuesday night.
During a news conference ahead of the Memorial, which begins Thursday, he said that there were a couple of surprises but that he wasn't particularly impressed with the strength of the field.
The field is nothing to jump up and down about. There is a field next week in Canada. They are golf tournaments.
When he was asked if the tour should severely discipline its players who compete in the LIV events to discourage others from doing so in the future, he took a softer stance than he had in the past.
They are within their rights to enforce the rules that have been set. It is going to be an argument about what the rules are. I don't want to stand in the way of my friends playing what they feel is right for themselves, and I have some very close friends that are playing in this event in London.
It is not something that I would do personally. I understand why some of the guys have decided to play in London, and we are all going to keep an eye on it over the next few weeks.
Australia's Matt Jones, who is among the PGA Tour players in the LIV field, said Wednesday that it was a good business opportunity for him and his family.
The team format aspect of things is great, and I like the concept of the three-day tournaments.
Greg Norman, a two-time Open winner and former No. 1 golfer, is fronting the LIV Golf series, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia.
I had to think about that, and I don't think banning players is a good look for the tour. I hope we can work around it. I am very comfortable with my decision and I am looking forward to it. I think it will be good. I am excited to play golf. I like to compete. I enjoy playing golf courses all around the world.
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