The PGA Tour has suspended Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and 15 other stars of golf who were playing in LIV Golf in London, which is sponsored by Saudi Arabia.
Mickelson, 51, is a six-time Major champion. He teed off in the LIV Series opener at St Albans in England on Thursday.
Phil Mickelson takes to the fairway on Day 1 of The Centurion Club's LIV Golf Invitational.
Ryder Cup star Paige Spiranac mocked him for his decision and he was even criticized by the golf Instagram star Paige Spiranac.
Mickelson was joined on Tuesday by Dustin Johnson, former world No1 who announced that he would be resigning as PGA Tour President.
Mickelson was reportedly paid PS160m for his participation in the LIV Series. Johnson agreed to a PS100m deal for Johnson's participation in the new rebel series.
Other stars that were banned included Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia from the European Ryder Cup, Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer, and Sergio Garcia from Graeme McDowell.
The PGA Tour branded rival series "vindictive" as well as "troubling".
Jay Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner, issued a two-page memo stating that the suspended players were no longer eligible for all PGA Tour events and the Presidents Cup.
Monahan stated that the players did not get the required media rights and conflicting event releases, or they did not apply at all. Their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf tournament is in violation our Tournament Regulation.
"The same fate applies to any other players who take part in future Saudi Golf League events that are in violation of our Regulations."
The LIV Golf event for 48 players that started on Thursday at Centurion Club outside London is in conflict with the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian Open.
Other players who were suspended by the PGA Tour include Branden Grace and Matt Jones, Talor Gooch, Branden, Branden, and Kevin Na.
These players will be removed form the FedExCup points lists when official statistics are published Sunday night.
Monahan wrote that "these players have made their decision for their own financial reasons," in a memo addressed to PGA Tour members.
Phil Mickelson was the star at the LIV Golf event held in London
They can't get the same PGA Tour benefits, considerations and opportunities as you, our fans, and our partners.
"You made a different decision. You have chosen to abide to the Tournament Regulations that you signed when you achieved your dream of getting a PGA TOUR Card and, more importantly, to play as part of the most prestigious organization in professional golf."
LIV Golf issued an official statement regarding social media as a response to the memo.
According to the statement, "Today's announcement of the PGA Tour was vindictive and it deepens division between the Tour members and the Tour."
It is troubling that the Tour, a group dedicated to making golfers more competitive, is the one preventing them from playing.
"This is certainly not the end of the story on this subject.
"The era is now of free agency. We are proud to have a full roster of players joining us in London and elsewhere."
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