Dustin Johnson’s agent explains golfer’s shock decision to join rebel Saudi tour

The previous world primary would be the predominant attraction at LIV Golf’s first occasion (Image: Getty)

Dustin Johnson’s agent says the two-time main champion has determined to affix the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Sequence as it's ‘in his household’s finest curiosity’.

Johnson, 37, introduced on Tuesday he's becoming a member of the breakaway tour forward of its first occasion on the Centurion Membership in St Albans which takes place from 11th of September June.

The revelation represents an enormous U-turn with the American having dedicated himself to the PGA Tour as just lately as February.

Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood are additionally set to play on the Centurion Membership (Image: Getty)

Johnson, the world No.13 and 24-time PGA Tour winner, will headline LIV Golf’s inaugural event which boasts a handbag of almost £20million, with over £3m for the winner.

Chatting with golf author Jason Sobell, Johnson’s agent David Winkle stated: ‘Dustin has been considering the chance off-and-on for the previous couple of years. Finally, he determined it was in his and his household’s finest curiosity to pursue it.

‘Dustin has by no means had any difficulty with the PGA Tour and is grateful for all it has given him, however in the long run, felt this was too compelling to go up.’

Johnson will be part of the likes of Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter within the area on the Centurion Membership.

Greg Norman is assured his new tour will probably be a long-term success (Image: Getty)

Regardless of being closely linked with the breakaway collection, Phil Mickelson, the six-time main winner, is just not on the checklist to play in Hertfordshire however may nonetheless make an look with six spots remaining.

LIV Golf’s first occasion is ready to conflict with the Canadian Open on the PGA Tour, who've already refused launch requests from gamers eager to function on the insurgent tour and have warned any star who does so dangers being banned for all times.

Final month, Greg Norman, the frontman of LIV Golf, criticised the PGA Tour’s stance and is bullish forward of the opener of his new collection.

He stated: ‘Free company has lastly come to golf.

‘This is a chance to begin a motion that may change the course of historical past by bringing new and open competitors to the game all of us love.

‘The need proven by the gamers to take part in LIV Golf demonstrates their emphatic perception in our mannequin and confidence in what we’re constructing for the long run.’

LIV Golf have seven different tournaments scheduled throughout the US and Asia for later this yr.

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