Saudi Arabia …..
World No. 1 Brooks Koepka and former top-ranked Dustin Johnson have confirmed emails from the head of the PGA Tour who is believed to have issued an ultimatum to those considering joining any breakaway Premier Golf League (PGL).
While fuller details are not known, the PGL is planning an 18-event annual tour featuring 48 of the world’s top stars.
Koepka confirmed ahead of this week’s second edition of the Saudi International, the receipt of an email sent by PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan to all PGA Tour members outlining the Tour’s concern.
It is believed, but not confirmed, Monahan’s email suggests that there will be no path back to the Tour for those who choose to jump ship and join the PGL.
Rory McIlroy was asked his reaction at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open and declaring: “It might be the catalyst for something a little bit different out here.”
World No. 1 Brooks Koepka confirms the existence of an email from PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan regarding talk of a Premier Golf League (Photo – @tourmiss)
The similar four-time Major winning Koepka, and while waiting to learn fuller details, believes the PGL could materialise.
If so, it will be the biggest pro-level shake-up ever in the history of the ancient club-and-ball game and with one observer here in Saudi likening it to the controversial establishment in 1977 of World Series Cricket.
Koepka said: “I saw the Tour’s e-mail last night (Monday) before I was going to bed. We’ve heard talks about it for a while but then I was only brought up-to-date, I think on January 4th where it was more of — instead of hearing about it for a couple years.
“So, I think this might actually happen.
Dustin Johnson says he’s received an email also from the PGA Tour Commissioner but bizarrely has not opened the email. (Photo @tourmiss)
“The thing is though I just don’t have enough information on it, I really don’t. I’m always going to speak my mind and tell you what I think, and I think everybody in this room knows that, but I just couldn’t know enough to genuinely have an opinion or know — know enough to speak on it.
“The news is all basically a month old for me when I realised that, okay, well, this could be a possibility. I don’t know. When I know all the details, I’ll be happy to sit in front of you guys and talk to you about it.”
Johnson indicated he also received an email from Monahan but in the most bizarrely of revelations ‘DJ’ said he has yet to open the electronic message.
Johnson said: “From what I was told, I got an e-mail recently. I haven’t read it yet. Probably read it right after this.
“I’ve heard of it. I think it’s in the early stages, but sounds interesting.”
