Dustin Johnson has stunned the golf world by signing up for the first LIV Golf event as the controversial Saudi-backed breakaway league finally announced its inaugural field.
The former world no.1 and two-time Major champion declared his 'full commitment' to the PGA Tour in February - but will now compete at the debut LIV Golf Invitational tournament at the Centurion Club in St Albans on June 9.
Nobody expected to see DJ's name on the list
Johnson, now world no.13, is the biggest and most surprising name on a list that includes veterans such as Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia - whose participation was all-but confirmed already.
Phil Mickelson, who is taking a break from golf after sparking outrage with comments about the breakaway league and the Saudi regime, is conspicuous by his absence on the 42-man list, although six spots remain open.
The PGA Tour declined all requests for releases from its members, but players have been offered huge sums to defy orders and partake in Greg Norman's LIV Golf project - which is bankrolled by the Saudi Public Investment fund.
Players face questions over 'sportswashing' and money-grabbing for saying yes to the revolutionary new series, featuring 54 holes, shotgun starts, no cut-lines, team-elements and IPL-style franchises.
It is rumoured Johnson, 37, was offered as much as £119million to join the rebel league and it is possible these talks led to the delayed release of the field, which came four days late and eight days before the start of the event.
DJ's agent David Winkle said in a statement: "Dustin has been contemplating the opportunity off-and-on for the past couple of years.
Englishman Westwood is among the bigger names on the list
"Ultimately, he decided it was in his and his family's best interest to pursue it. Dustin has never had any issue with the PGA Tour and is grateful for all it has given him, but in the end, felt this was too compelling to pass up."
The Centurion Club event takes place at the same time as the PGA Tour's Canadian Open and one week before the US Open, golf's third Major of the year, both of which Johnson has previously won.
It is unclear what punishment the PGA Tour will impose or when any sanctions will come into effect, although commissioner Jay Monahan has told players they face bans.
However, LIV Golf has pledged to cover any financial penalties and represent their players in court, where this battle is destined to end up.
Canadian Open organisers announced on Twitter: "Together with our partners at RBC, we are disappointed to learn at this late stage that Dustin Johnson has made the decision to play the LIV Golf Event. As a past RBC Canadian Open champion, Canadian golf fans were looking forward to DJ's return this year."
Most current stars, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, remain committed to the PGA Tour, expressing scepticism towards Norman and his disruptors.
While LIV Golf's critics would've been hoping for a field made up of yesterday's stars looking for one last pay day, the arrival of Johnson changes things and others could now follow.
Norman, the two-time Open champion, said: "Free agency has finally come to golf. This is an opportunity to start a movement that will change the course of history by bringing new and open competition to the sport we all love.
"The desire shown by the players to participate in LIV Golf demonstrates their emphatic belief in our model and confidence in what we're building for the future."
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