Dustin Johnson, two-time major winner, on Tuesday announced that he has resigned his PGA Tour membership. The 37-year-old wants to participate in the LIV Golf Invitational, which starts on June 9.

“Ultimately, I decided to come and do this. I’m excited about this. Obviously the Ryder Cup is unbelievable and something that has meant a lot to me. … Hopefully I’ll get a chance to do that again, but I don’t make the rules,” Johnson said at Centurion Club. 

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The LIV Golf tour, backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, is not recognised by the Official Golf World Ranking (OWGR). Golfers participating in it will not be awarded world ranking points in the duration. Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood are among the most notable Ryder Cup legends who have confirmed their participation. The likes of Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen are also on the list.  

The ciruit will featur seven regular-season events and one team championship in late October. The tournament’s first edition will see 48 players on 12 teams contest for a $25 million prize money. The golfers, who start in London, will tour across Portland, Ore., New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, Bangkok, Saudi Arabia and Miami.

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Why is it called ‘LIV’?

LIV is the Roman numeral for 54. It is the number of holes in each tournament. It is also the score a golfer can get if they birdie every hole on a par-72 course.

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What’s the format?

The LIV golf tour will see three-round tournaments. A total of 48 players will take part. Shotgun starts will be a key feature of the tournament. This means that every player starts at the same time, but at a different hole. The individual event will be scored as usual, by stroke play.

The team event will see 12 four-person groups. The division will be based on a draft the week of each tournament. Each team will have a LIV-appointed captain who will select the other three teammates.