LIV Golf invitational: who is taking part in Super League tournament and when does it begin?

The proposed LIV Golf Invitational series is due to begin next month with the first ever events of the series in place.

Eight events will take place between June and October and some big names from the PGA Tour had hoped to take part.

The ‘Super Golf League’ or (SGL) is owned by LIV Golf, which is financed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.

The tournament has been the centre of much controversy in the sport since proposals first came to light in 2019.

In its most recent controversy, the PGA tour revealed that it would block any release of players for the series, making it increasingly more difficult for any PGA tour players to attend the Invitational.

Here is everything we know so far about the series including when and where it will take place and who may take part:

When does the LIV Golf Invitational start?

The first of eight SGL events is scheduled to take place on June 11, 2022.

Seven more series events will then be played in July, September and October.

The final event of the series is due to take place on October 30.

Where is the LIV Golf Invitational taking place?

The first series event, on June 11, is due to take place at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire, England.

Five of the eight events are due to take place across the USA with the other two set to be played in Thailand and Saudi Arabia respectively. 

Here are the dates and venues of the eight proposed series events:

• June 11 - Centurion Club, Hertfordshire, England
• July 3 - Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, Portland, Oregon, USA
• July 31 - Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, Bedminster, New Jersey, USA
• September 4 - The International Golf Club, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• September 18 - Rich Harvest Farms, Chicago, Illinois, USA
• October 9 - Stonehill, Bangkok, Thailand
• October 16 - Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• October 30 - Trump National, Doral, Miami, USA

The 54-hole tournaments will have no cut and will feature 48 players drafted into 12 four-man teams.

Who is taking part in the LIV Golf Invitational series?

Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia are two of the bigges names amongst the 42 confirmed players confirmed for he first event.

Englishmen Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter are also set to feature.

What has Greg Norman said about the block?

In response to the news that the Tour had blocked players for being released, the chief executive of LIV Golf investments said: “The tour is intent on perpetuating its illegal monopoly of what should be a free and open market.

Speaking to the BBC, Norman continued with: “But not matter what obstacles the PGA Tour puts in our way, we will not be stopped. We will continue to give players options that promote the great game of golf globally.”

He also added that he believed the PGA tour to be “anti-golfer, anti-fan and anti-competitive.”

What did Lee Westwood and Justin Rose say about LIV Golf invitational?

Lee Westwood is the latest big name to apply for a wavier from the PGA that would allow him to compete in the series.

He said: “We’ve played European Tour events in Saudi Arabia,”

“I’ve had releases from the PGA Tour saying that I can go play in Saudi Arabia. It’s been no problem to them in previous years.

“Formula 1 race there. Newcastle is owned partly by people from Saudi Arabia. There’s been fights there. I think there’s been snooker and darts there as well. Golf is not the first sport to have links with Saudi Arabia, but it seems to be coming under more scrutiny than anywhere else.

“Whether you think that’s right or now is the individual’s opinion.”

Offering a different perspective, 2013 US Open winner Justin Rose has said: “You have to make decisions that are right for you,”

“You are a professional golfer, it’s your job. If there is an opportunity and it is valid, then it is an avenue that should be open and available to you.”

“That is the eternal question no one knows the answer to.

“This is the risk those guys are running at the moment by accepting the opportunity to play. We don’t know how the tours are going to react or the legal ramifications.”