DUSTIN JOHNSON announced that he is quitting the PGA tour in order to join the Saudi-backed rebel LIV Series.

Johnson and Phil Mickelson, six-time Major winner, are two of the international stars taking part in this inaugural event at Centurion Club near St Albans.

The former US Open and Masters champion was not shy about his decision to abandon the Ryder Cup and the PGA.

Johnson, who received $125m in signing up fees, stated: "I have resigned my membership to the PGA. I will continue to play here.

"That's the plan. I don't know what the consequences will look like.

"It was a huge decision that I had to make and one I had to consider carefully.

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"Ultimately, we came to this conclusion.

"I am exempt from the Majors and plan to play them, unless I hear differently.

"The Ryder Cup means a lot for me, and I'm proud that I have represented my country."

"I hope I will have a chance to do it again, but I don’t make the rules."

Johnson was asked if he would choose money (each LIV event has a minimum of $32m prize fund) or country. Johnson replied: "I chose the best for myself and my family."

Johnson and Paulina were married in a lavish Tennessee ceremony.

'I'VE RESIGNED MY PGA MEMBERSHIP’

The American was seated alongside Graeme McDowell from Northern Ireland and Louis Oosthuizen from South Africa.

In the wake of the alleged human right abuses by the regime, all three were quizzed about their willingness to participate in the Saudi-backed tour.

McDowell stated that he hadn't yet quit the PGA tour, and that he didn't want to get into a legal dispute.

"It would be shame for the boys who have done so much for the Ryder Cup to not be invited back."

The Ulsterman said that he had considered taking the Saudi shilling.

"This has been extremely polarizing. All of us agree that Khashoggi's situation was unacceptable. That fact is undisputed.

"But, we're all golfers and not politicians - and hopefully this game can be a force to good."

Johnson responded to a question about Mickelson's participation in Lefty's tournament. He said that the Saudis were "scary m s". Johnson also stated that Phil is an iconic figure in golf.

"I disagree with his statements and he has apologised for it, but he will bring many eyes to the game and be a great ambassador for it and I'm glad that he's part of this."

Paulina and DJ live in a luxurious Florida home that they share with Tatum and River.

Also, it has been reported that Sergio Garcia from Spain has resigned as a PGA member.