As Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has pulled its support from the LIV Golf beyond 2026, the future of the players is now in limbo. Most of the players had left PGA Tour - the powerhouse of golf - to be in Saudi's rebel tour which now is facing uncertain future. Started in 2021, Saudi PIF has spent nearly $5 billion on LIV and now seems to say enough. The decision was taken after the LIV executives met Wednesday (Apr 8) last week in New York during the Master week. Without the PIF backing, LIV will definitely find it hard to continue with each event carrying a purse of $30 million.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-world-cup-2026-iran-has-to-come-says-fifa-chief-gianni-infantino-about-its-participation-1776323752750">Football WC 2026 | 'Iran has to come,' says FIFA chief about its participation</a><h2>Why PIF is withdrawing support for LIV?</h2>Started as Saudi's ambitious plan to disrupt the sports world, LIV saw many top players like Bryson DeChambeau, John Rahm, Brooks Koepka and others. The reason for PIF withdrawing the backing could have stemmed from ongoing trouble in West Asia which has seen the US and Iran engaging in hostilities. In response to the US's aggression, Iran launched attacked on various US bases in the region including Saudi Arabia. Saudi may be also be looking at investments in sports with potential of some return rather than just funding the sports blindly.<h2>What about the players involved with LIV?</h2>The latest development has left the future of players involved in limbo. LIV CEO Scott O'Neil's e-mail in the aftermath also did little to calm the nerves as it didn't mention 2027.'While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organisation that is bigger, louder and more influential than ever before," read a part of the e-mail as reported by the Guardian.As for the players, Koepka has returned to PGA with Patrick Reed expected to complete the journey soon. The path back does not seem smooth for DeChambeau and Rahm who now have lost bargaining chips with the rebel tour's future uncertain. The same goes for Phil Mickelson who has not been on good terms with PGA when her joined LIV.As a result of LIV fallout, DP World Tour, earlier called European Tour, could be the biggest gainer as it has showed interest since long back to be associated with the LIV players.

Started in 2021, Saudi PIF has spent nearly $5 billion on LIV and now seems to say enough. The decision to withdraw funding was taken Wednesday (Apr 8) last week in New York during the Master week. Without the PIF backing, LIV will definitely find it hard to continue with each event carrying a purse of $30 million.

As Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has pulled its support from the LIV Golf beyond 2026, the future of the players is now in limbo. Most of the players had left PGA Tour - the powerhouse of golf - to be in Saudi's rebel tour which now is facing uncertain future. Started in 2021, Saudi PIF has spent nearly $5 billion on LIV and now seems to say enough. The decision was taken after the LIV executives met Wednesday (Apr 8) last week in New York during the Master week. Without the PIF backing, LIV will definitely find it hard to continue with each event carrying a purse of $30 million. Also Read - Football WC 2026 | 'Iran has to come,' says FIFA chief about its participation Why PIF is withdrawing support for LIV? Started as Saudi's ambitious plan to disrupt the sports world, LIV saw many top players like Bryson DeChambeau, John Rahm, Brooks Koepka and others. The reason for PIF withdrawing the backing could have stemmed from ongoing trouble in West Asia which has seen the US and Iran engaging in hostilities. In response to the US's aggression, Iran launched attacked on various US bases in the region including Saudi Arabia. Saudi may be also be looking at investments in sports with potential of some return rather than just funding the sports blindly. What about the players involved with LIV? The latest development has left the future of players involved in limbo. LIV CEO Scott O'Neil's e-mail in the aftermath also did little to calm the nerves as it didn't mention 2027. 'While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organisation that is bigger, louder and more influential than ever before," read a part of the e-mail as reported by the Guardian. As for the players, Koepka has returned to PGA with Patrick Reed expected to complete the journey soon. The path back does not seem smooth for DeChambeau and Rahm who now have lost bargaining chips with the rebel tour's future uncertain. The same goes for Phil Mickelson who has not been on good terms with PGA when her joined LIV. As a result of LIV fallout, DP World Tour, earlier called European Tour, could be the biggest gainer as it has showed interest since long back to be associated with the LIV players.

Started in 2021, Saudi PIF has spent nearly $5 billion on LIV and now seems to say enough. The decision to withdraw funding was taken Wednesday (Apr 8) last week in New York during the Master week. Without the PIF backing, LIV will definitely find it hard to continue with each event carrying a purse of $30 million.

LIV begins to die: Players' future in limbo after Saudi PIF withdraws funding beyond 2026

Spain's Jon Rahm wants to play three European golf events before the end of the year to maintain his Ryder Cup eligibility, but said Wednesday he won't pay fines levied by the DP World Tour over his LIV golf participation. The two-time major winner, who joined LIV Golf last December, is facing a deadline to pay the fines imposed by the DP World Tour on golfers who failed to obtain releases to play in the Saudi-backed league events that conflict with tour events.

As he prepared for the LIV Golf tournament in Chicago this week, Rahm said he hoped to play two events in his homeland -- the Spanish Open and the Andalucia Masters -- and in the Dunhill Links Championship.

But he acknowledged that he wasn't sure if he would be allowed to tee it up. "We entered a long time ago,” Rahm said. “Whether they let me play or not is a different thing. I’m not a big fan of the fines. I think I’ve been outspoken about that. "I don't intend to pay the fines and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen," he added.

"I've said many times, I don't go to the Spanish Open for the glory or anything else. I think it's my duty to Spanish golf to be there and I also want to play in Sotogrande."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-carlos-alcaraz-starrer-spain-epic-usa-off-the-mark-in-davis-cup-757942">Carlos Alcaraz-starrer Spain, 'epic' USA off the mark in Davis Cup</a>

There is an apparent avenue for Rahm to play, if he appeals the sanctions. LIV Golf's Tyrrell Hatton competed at the British Masters after appealing his sanctions, with the penalties to be resolved at a later date.

One person likely watching the situation closely is Luke Donald, who will captain Europe in next year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.

Rahm was one of Europe's star performers in their victory over the United States last year in Rome in the most recent edition of the biennial match play showdown.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Spain's Jon Rahm wants to play three European golf events before the end of the year to maintain his Ryder Cup eligibility, but said Wednesday he won't pay fines levied by the DP World Tour over his LIV golf participation.

Spain's Jon Rahm wants to play three European golf events before the end of the year to maintain his Ryder Cup eligibility, but said Wednesday he won't pay fines levied by the DP World Tour over his LIV golf participation. The two-time major winner, who joined LIV Golf last December, is facing a deadline to pay the fines imposed by the DP World Tour on golfers who failed to obtain releases to play in the Saudi-backed league events that conflict with tour events. As he prepared for the LIV Golf tournament in Chicago this week, Rahm said he hoped to play two events in his homeland -- the Spanish Open and the Andalucia Masters -- and in the Dunhill Links Championship. But he acknowledged that he wasn't sure if he would be allowed to tee it up. "We entered a long time ago,” Rahm said. “Whether they let me play or not is a different thing. I’m not a big fan of the fines. I think I’ve been outspoken about that. "I don't intend to pay the fines and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen," he added. "I've said many times, I don't go to the Spanish Open for the glory or anything else. I think it's my duty to Spanish golf to be there and I also want to play in Sotogrande." Also read: Carlos Alcaraz-starrer Spain, 'epic' USA off the mark in Davis Cup There is an apparent avenue for Rahm to play, if he appeals the sanctions. LIV Golf's Tyrrell Hatton competed at the British Masters after appealing his sanctions, with the penalties to be resolved at a later date. One person likely watching the situation closely is Luke Donald, who will captain Europe in next year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York. Rahm was one of Europe's star performers in their victory over the United States last year in Rome in the most recent edition of the biennial match play showdown. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Golf: Spain's Jon Rahm eyes DP World Tour events despite LIV-related sanctions

Austrian golfer Bernd Wiesberger will compete on the DP World Tour in 2024 after spending two seasons with the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit, the European tour said on Thursday. Wiesberger, an eight-time winner on the European tour, left to join LIV in 2022. The 38-year-old lost his contract after finishing 41st in the individual standings in the 2023 LIV season and became a free agent.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/golf-veteran-tiger-woods-set-to-feature-in-5-6-tournaments-in-2024-reports-663618">Golf: Veteran Tiger Woods set to feature in 5-6 tournaments in 2024 - Reports</a>

The DP World Tour said Wiesberger had fulfilled all sanctions imposed on him for competing in the rival tour. "Consequently, his request for reinstatement has been granted by DP World Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley, in accordance with the procedure set out in the Members' Regulations," the DP World Tour said in a statement.

In a statement on social media, Wiesberger said he was fully focused on the DP World Tour, adding: "I have never resigned my membership and therefore I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to play a full schedule once again."

Austrian golfer Bernd Wiesberger will compete on the DP World Tour in 2024 after spending two seasons with the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit, the European tour said on Thursday.

Austrian golfer Bernd Wiesberger will compete on the DP World Tour in 2024 after spending two seasons with the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit, the European tour said on Thursday. Wiesberger, an eight-time winner on the European tour, left to join LIV in 2022. The 38-year-old lost his contract after finishing 41st in the individual standings in the 2023 LIV season and became a free agent. Also Read: Golf: Veteran Tiger Woods set to feature in 5-6 tournaments in 2024 - Reports The DP World Tour said Wiesberger had fulfilled all sanctions imposed on him for competing in the rival tour. "Consequently, his request for reinstatement has been granted by DP World Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley, in accordance with the procedure set out in the Members' Regulations," the DP World Tour said in a statement. In a statement on social media, Wiesberger said he was fully focused on the DP World Tour, adding: "I have never resigned my membership and therefore I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to play a full schedule once again."

Australian golfer Bernd Wiesberger to compete in DP World Tour 2024 after LIV stint

The DP World Tour announced its schedule for the 2024 season on Monday, with 44 tournaments set to take place in 24 countries and a combined record prize fund of nearly $150 million.

The schedule consists of five premium events in Dubai, Scotland, London, Abu Dhabi and back to Dubai for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

There will also be two playoffs -- the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai -- in November 2024. The total prize fund of $148.5 million excludes the majors.

"Our 2024 season will see our members come together to compete across a global schedule, with greater opportunities and rewards than ever before," DP World Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley said in a statement.

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Announcing the new look 2024 DP World Tour schedule 🌍 <a href="https://t.co/qAvAwAbvSo">pic.twitter.com/qAvAwAbvSo</a>
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"The many new and original enhancements we have introduced will guarantee drama and excitement for our fans, our broadcasters and all our stakeholders across the entire season."

The Abu Dhabi Championship will feature the best 70 players in the Race to Dubai rankings, while the top 50 qualify for the season-ending championship in Dubai from Nov. 14 to 17.

The top 10 also earn PGA Tour cards for 2025 and share a $6 million bonus pool. 
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The DP World Tour announced its schedule for the 2024 season on Monday, with 44 tournaments set to take place in 24 countries and a combined record prize fund of nearly $150 million.

The DP World Tour announced its schedule for the 2024 season on Monday, with 44 tournaments set to take place in 24 countries and a combined record prize fund of nearly $150 million. The schedule consists of five premium events in Dubai, Scotland, London, Abu Dhabi and back to Dubai for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. There will also be two playoffs -- the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai -- in November 2024. The total prize fund of $148.5 million excludes the majors. "Our 2024 season will see our members come together to compete across a global schedule, with greater opportunities and rewards than ever before," DP World Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley said in a statement. Announcing the new look 2024 DP World Tour schedule 🌍 pic.twitter.com/qAvAwAbvSo — DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) August 14, 2023 × "The many new and original enhancements we have introduced will guarantee drama and excitement for our fans, our broadcasters and all our stakeholders across the entire season." The Abu Dhabi Championship will feature the best 70 players in the Race to Dubai rankings, while the top 50 qualify for the season-ending championship in Dubai from Nov. 14 to 17. The top 10 also earn PGA Tour cards for 2025 and share a $6 million bonus pool. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

DP World Tour to include 44 tournaments in 2024, playoff double-header

The DP World&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and&nbsp;fines&nbsp;on 26&nbsp;players&nbsp;who breached its rules by competing in&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf and Asian&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;events without permission. The DP World&nbsp;Tour, formerly known as the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Tour, said in a statement on Thursday that the sanctions were related to events that took place from June 22, 2022 to April 2, 2023.

Last month the&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine&nbsp;players&nbsp;who competed in the first two events on the Saudi-backed&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;circuit in 2022 without permission. The&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;said the new sanctions were determined on a case-by-case basis to recognise differences among&nbsp;tournaments and the impact it had on the&nbsp;Tour's broadcast partners and sponsors.

The&nbsp;fines&nbsp;ranged from 12,500 pounds ($15,776.25) to 100,000 pounds for each breach, while the total suspension imposed on any player was a maximum of eight DP World&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;events. Last week, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood resigned their&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;memberships, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-australia-rugby-star-jarryd-hayne-sentenced-to-four-years-and-nine-months-for-sexually-assaulting-a-woman-591538">Ex-Australia Rugby star Jarryd Hayne sentenced to four years and nine months for sexually assaulting a woman</a>

Westwood has previously criticised the&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;for its sanctions. "People say I knew exactly what would happen, but nobody told us the extent of the punishments," Westwood told the Daily Telegraph newspaper this month. "The way I view it is that, as a&nbsp;European&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;member, I was allowed to be a member of the PGA&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;without any problem for all those years. "Tell me, what is the difference? Just because&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;is funded by the Saudis – a country where my&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;used to play and where we were encouraged to play?"

Critics have said the $255 million&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Series is a vehicle for Saudi Arabia to try to improve its image in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

The DP World Tour said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and fines on 26 players who breached its rules by competing in LIV Golf and Asian Tour events without permission.

The DP World Tour said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and fines on 26 players who breached its rules by competing in LIV Golf and Asian Tour events without permission. The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, said in a statement on Thursday that the sanctions were related to events that took place from June 22, 2022 to April 2, 2023. Last month the Tour won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who competed in the first two events on the Saudi-backed LIV circuit in 2022 without permission. The Tour said the new sanctions were determined on a case-by-case basis to recognise differences among tournaments and the impact it had on the Tour's broadcast partners and sponsors. The fines ranged from 12,500 pounds ($15,776.25) to 100,000 pounds for each breach, while the total suspension imposed on any player was a maximum of eight DP World Tour events. Last week, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood resigned their Tour memberships, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup. Also Read: Ex-Australia Rugby star Jarryd Hayne sentenced to four years and nine months for sexually assaulting a woman Westwood has previously criticised the Tour for its sanctions. "People say I knew exactly what would happen, but nobody told us the extent of the punishments," Westwood told the Daily Telegraph newspaper this month. "The way I view it is that, as a European Tour member, I was allowed to be a member of the PGA Tour without any problem for all those years. "Tell me, what is the difference? Just because LIV is funded by the Saudis – a country where my Tour used to play and where we were encouraged to play?" Critics have said the $255 million LIV Series is a vehicle for Saudi Arabia to try to improve its image in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

Golf: DP World Tour issues new sanctions on 26 players

The DP World Tour has threatened Spain's Sergio Garcia with "appropriate action" after he failed to pay a 100,000 pound ($126,000) fine imposed by a sports arbitration panel within 30 days for playing in a LIV Golf event.

The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, last month won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine LIV Golf players who competed in conflicting events without permission. Seventeen players, including Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, were each fined 100,000 pounds – a sanction imposed in July 2022 and upheld last month by an independent UK-based panel for sports resolutions.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-sergio-garcia-ian-poulter-lee-westwood-not-eligible-for-ryder-cup-after-resigning-tour-membership-588819">Golf: Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood not eligible for Ryder Cup after resigning Tour membership</a>

"The DP World Tour today confirmed that 16 out of 17 players have paid their fines which were imposed for serious breaches of the Tour's Conflicting Tournament Regulation last June," the DP World Tour said in a statement on Thursday.

"Sergio Garcia has not paid his £100,000 fine, nor has he given any indication that he intends to. We will therefore take appropriate action if he continues not to respect the Sport Resolutions panel's decision," the statement said.

Garcia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The tour added that it would next week announce further sanctions for players who breached the regulations. Garcia, the 2017 Masters Champion, along with Poulter, Westwood and Richard Bland resigned their DP World Tour memberships on Wednesday, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup.

The DP World Tour has threatened Spain's Sergio Garcia with "appropriate action" after he failed to pay a 100,000 pound ($126,000) fine imposed by a sports arbitration panel within 30 days for playing in a LIV Golf event.

The DP World Tour has threatened Spain's Sergio Garcia with "appropriate action" after he failed to pay a 100,000 pound ($126,000) fine imposed by a sports arbitration panel within 30 days for playing in a LIV Golf event. The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, last month won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine LIV Golf players who competed in conflicting events without permission. Seventeen players, including Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, were each fined 100,000 pounds – a sanction imposed in July 2022 and upheld last month by an independent UK-based panel for sports resolutions. Also Read: Golf: Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood not eligible for Ryder Cup after resigning Tour membership "The DP World Tour today confirmed that 16 out of 17 players have paid their fines which were imposed for serious breaches of the Tour's Conflicting Tournament Regulation last June," the DP World Tour said in a statement on Thursday. "Sergio Garcia has not paid his £100,000 fine, nor has he given any indication that he intends to. We will therefore take appropriate action if he continues not to respect the Sport Resolutions panel's decision," the statement said. Garcia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The tour added that it would next week announce further sanctions for players who breached the regulations. Garcia, the 2017 Masters Champion, along with Poulter, Westwood and Richard Bland resigned their DP World Tour memberships on Wednesday, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup.

Golf: DP World Tour threatens Spaniard Sergio Garcia 'with appropriate action' after he fails to pay fine

Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood will be ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup after the DP World Tour confirmed on Wednesday that they had resigned their Tour memberships. Their resignations come a month after the DP World Tour, which was formerly known as the European Tour, won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who featured in conflicting LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;events without permission.

The DP World said in a statement they had been sanctioned for serious breaches of the Tour’s Conflicting Tournament Regulation committed last June, after playing in the first Saudi-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;event in England. The trio of Poulter, Garcia and Westwood have played in 28 Ryder Cups between them.

"The DP World Tour would like to thank the four players for the contribution they have made to the Tour and in particular to Sergio, Ian and Lee for the significant part they have played in Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup over many years," the Tour said in a statement. "Their resignations, however, along with the sanctions imposed upon them, are a consequence of their own choices. "The Tour has a responsibility to its entire membership to administer the member regulations which each player signs up to." The DP World Tour added it would provide further updates on other sanctioned members on Thursday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-tiger-woods-caddie-joe-lacava-part-ways-after-12-years-588531">Golf: Tiger Woods, caddie Joe LaCava part ways after 12 years</a>

This year's Ryder Cup takes place at the Marco Simone&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;and Country Club near Rome from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. Garcia is the Ryder Cup's record points scorer with 28.5, while Westwood has played a record 11 matches, being part of seven winning teams. Poulter, another Ryder Cup stalwart, has played a key role in some of Europe's biggest successes in the biennial contest against the United States.

Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood will be ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup after the DP World Tour confirmed on Wednesday that they had resigned their Tour memberships.

Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood will be ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup after the DP World Tour confirmed on Wednesday that they had resigned their Tour memberships. Their resignations come a month after the DP World Tour, which was formerly known as the European Tour, won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who featured in conflicting LIV Golf events without permission. The DP World said in a statement they had been sanctioned for serious breaches of the Tour’s Conflicting Tournament Regulation committed last June, after playing in the first Saudi-backed LIV Golf event in England. The trio of Poulter, Garcia and Westwood have played in 28 Ryder Cups between them. "The DP World Tour would like to thank the four players for the contribution they have made to the Tour and in particular to Sergio, Ian and Lee for the significant part they have played in Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup over many years," the Tour said in a statement. "Their resignations, however, along with the sanctions imposed upon them, are a consequence of their own choices. "The Tour has a responsibility to its entire membership to administer the member regulations which each player signs up to." The DP World Tour added it would provide further updates on other sanctioned members on Thursday. Also Read: Golf: Tiger Woods, caddie Joe LaCava part ways after 12 years This year's Ryder Cup takes place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. Garcia is the Ryder Cup's record points scorer with 28.5, while Westwood has played a record 11 matches, being part of seven winning teams. Poulter, another Ryder Cup stalwart, has played a key role in some of Europe's biggest successes in the biennial contest against the United States.

Golf: Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood not eligible for Ryder Cup after resigning Tour membership

DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has launched a scathing attack on the players who threatened legal action unless their sanctions for competing in&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;are removed. DP World Tour members including Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood were each fined £100,000 ($120,000) and banned from next week's Scottish Open and two other events co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour.

The punishment came after they played in the opening event of the controversial Saudi-backed&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;series earlier this month, despite being refused permission by the DP World Tour. Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau are among the US-based stars who have signed up for the&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;events.

In an open letter published by The Telegraph, the 16 players implored the DP World Tour to reconsider the penalties. They claimed the recent strengthened partnership between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in response to the influx of Saudi cash leaves the European circuit playing "second fiddle" to the US-based tournaments.

The players also called for a Tour membership meeting to discuss the matter, threatening that "you will leave us with no choice but to employ the various other means and methods at our disposal to rectify these wrongs".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-long-as-you-fulfil-criteria-westwood-feels-liv-golf-series-participants-should-be-allowed-in-ryder-cup-493183">'As long as you fulfil criteria...' Westwood feels LIV Golf Series participants should be allowed in Ryder Cup</a>

But Pelley responded by criticising the players' claim that they "care deeply" about the Tour, insisting the sanctions handed out are "proportionate, fair and, I believe, considered necessary by the majority of our members".

He also said one player gave a signed commitment to play in this week's Irish Open, but is instead contesting the second&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;event in Portland.

"There has been a leak to the media of a letter we received on behalf of a number of&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;players which contains so many inaccuracies that it cannot remain unchallenged," Pelley said in a statement. "Before joining&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf, players knew there would be consequences if they chose money over competition.

"Many of them at the time understood and accepted that. Indeed, as one player named in the letter said in a media interview earlier this year; 'If they ban me, they ban me.' It is not credible that some are now surprised with the actions we have taken."

Pelley is adamant the DP World Tour's closer relationship with the PGA Tour has not diluted the strength of the European events. "We held a player meeting in Ireland on Tuesday where we outlined in great detail all the many benefits of our expanded relationship with the PGA Tour," he said. "One of those is an unprecedented 10 cards on offer to the PGA Tour, cards that many of the players named in this letter desperately wanted to attain in the early stages of their careers. Why now be critical of those trying to do the same?"

DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has launched a scathing attack on the players who threatened legal action unless their sanctions for competing in LIV Golf are removed.

DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has launched a scathing attack on the players who threatened legal action unless their sanctions for competing in LIV Golf are removed. DP World Tour members including Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood were each fined £100,000 ($120,000) and banned from next week's Scottish Open and two other events co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour. The punishment came after they played in the opening event of the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf series earlier this month, despite being refused permission by the DP World Tour. Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau are among the US-based stars who have signed up for the LIV Golf events. In an open letter published by The Telegraph, the 16 players implored the DP World Tour to reconsider the penalties. They claimed the recent strengthened partnership between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in response to the influx of Saudi cash leaves the European circuit playing "second fiddle" to the US-based tournaments. The players also called for a Tour membership meeting to discuss the matter, threatening that "you will leave us with no choice but to employ the various other means and methods at our disposal to rectify these wrongs". ALSO READ | 'As long as you fulfil criteria...' Westwood feels LIV Golf Series participants should be allowed in Ryder Cup But Pelley responded by criticising the players' claim that they "care deeply" about the Tour, insisting the sanctions handed out are "proportionate, fair and, I believe, considered necessary by the majority of our members". He also said one player gave a signed commitment to play in this week's Irish Open, but is instead contesting the second LIV Golf event in Portland. "There has been a leak to the media of a letter we received on behalf of a number of LIV Golf players which contains so many inaccuracies that it cannot remain unchallenged," Pelley said in a statement. "Before joining LIV Golf, players knew there would be consequences if they chose money over competition. "Many of them at the time understood and accepted that. Indeed, as one player named in the letter said in a media interview earlier this year; 'If they ban me, they ban me.' It is not credible that some are now surprised with the actions we have taken." Pelley is adamant the DP World Tour's closer relationship with the PGA Tour has not diluted the strength of the European events. "We held a player meeting in Ireland on Tuesday where we outlined in great detail all the many benefits of our expanded relationship with the PGA Tour," he said. "One of those is an unprecedented 10 cards on offer to the PGA Tour, cards that many of the players named in this letter desperately wanted to attain in the early stages of their careers. Why now be critical of those trying to do the same?"

DP World Tour chief lashes out at LIV Golf stars following sanction plea

A limping Shubhankar Sharma shrugged off a heel injury to card an impressive five-under 67 to remain tied 20th at the end of the second day in the DP World Tour Championships here Friday.&nbsp;

Sharma, who rose to as high as tied-fifth at one stage, dropped a double bogey on Par-5 14th, but recovered with birdies on 15th and 18th as he was seven shots behind England's Matt Wallace (65).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Wallace, with whom Shubhankar, played in the lead group of the Hero Indian Open, which the Englishman won, was in the pole position at 11-under after a sizzling seven-under.&nbsp;

"Hopefully, I am done with three-putts for the week," said Sharma, who also admitted that his injured heel did not bother him while hitting shots.&nbsp;

He said, "I had it well-cushioned and it did not bother me while hitting shots. There was some discomfort while walking in the morning when it was raw. It should get better over the next two days and I am looking forward to that."&nbsp;

Sharma added: "Today I hit very well and created chances and holed some putts, too. It was good to get that round in. Last few weeks I have often given it away after making a good start. Today also I had a fine start - birdie-birdie and then turned in three-under. The double on 14th was a bit disappointing."&nbsp;

"If you had asked me at the start of the day I would have taken 67, but now maybe I feel it could have been a shot or two better. But there is two more days to go," the youngster said.&nbsp;

Wallace was one shot ahead of the second placed trio of a resurgent 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett (67), Dubai-based Spaniard Adrian Otaegui (68) and Englishman Jordan Smith (68), all of whom were 10-under. At sole fifth with nine-under was Parick Reed (66).&nbsp;

Kiradech Aphibarnrat, runner-up here last year, exploded on the back nine with five birdies, three of which came in the last four holes, for a round of 66 that took his total to eight-under 136 and three shy of the leader. He was Tied-sixth alongside big stars like Rory McIlroy (67) and Tommy Fleetwood (67) and Reed at nine-under.

A limping Shubhankar Sharma shrugged off a heel injury to card an impressive five-under 67 to remain tied 20th at the end of the second day in the DP World Tour Championships here Friday.

A limping Shubhankar Sharma shrugged off a heel injury to card an impressive five-under 67 to remain tied 20th at the end of the second day in the DP World Tour Championships here Friday. Sharma, who rose to as high as tied-fifth at one stage, dropped a double bogey on Par-5 14th, but recovered with birdies on 15th and 18th as he was seven shots behind England's Matt Wallace (65). Meanwhile, Wallace, with whom Shubhankar, played in the lead group of the Hero Indian Open, which the Englishman won, was in the pole position at 11-under after a sizzling seven-under. "Hopefully, I am done with three-putts for the week," said Sharma, who also admitted that his injured heel did not bother him while hitting shots. He said, "I had it well-cushioned and it did not bother me while hitting shots. There was some discomfort while walking in the morning when it was raw. It should get better over the next two days and I am looking forward to that." Sharma added: "Today I hit very well and created chances and holed some putts, too. It was good to get that round in. Last few weeks I have often given it away after making a good start. Today also I had a fine start - birdie-birdie and then turned in three-under. The double on 14th was a bit disappointing." "If you had asked me at the start of the day I would have taken 67, but now maybe I feel it could have been a shot or two better. But there is two more days to go," the youngster said. Wallace was one shot ahead of the second placed trio of a resurgent 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett (67), Dubai-based Spaniard Adrian Otaegui (68) and Englishman Jordan Smith (68), all of whom were 10-under. At sole fifth with nine-under was Parick Reed (66). Kiradech Aphibarnrat, runner-up here last year, exploded on the back nine with five birdies, three of which came in the last four holes, for a round of 66 that took his total to eight-under 136 and three shy of the leader. He was Tied-sixth alongside big stars like Rory McIlroy (67) and Tommy Fleetwood (67) and Reed at nine-under.

Shubhankar Sharma cards 67 to remain tied 20th

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