Dustin Johnson has been named in the field for the opening Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series event.
The former world number one appears to have completed a U-turn, having committed to the PGA tour only four months ago.
Johnson is joined by other notable names in Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Louis Oosthuizen.
JUST IN: Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Louis Oosthuizen among the notables playing in the 1st LIV Golf event in London.
— Rick Gehman (@RickRunGood) June 1, 2022
Johnson is the biggest previously unreported name in the field, which does not include Phil Mickelson.
The circuit, seen as a potential rival to the PGA Tour, became controversial for accepting financing from Saudi backers.
The PGA Tour has not granted any members a release to play in the event, which will be contested from June 9-11, opposite the Canadian Open.
The 37-year-old American’s agent David Winkle said in a statement: "Dustin has been contemplating the opportunity off-and-on for the past couple of years.
"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."
Dustin Johnson, who held the No. 1 spot in the world longer than any player since Tiger Woods, will participate in next week's Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational, which offers a $25 million in prize money https://t.co/28uE7eDyrG via AP
— Bloomberg (@business) June 1, 2022
The winner at the Centurion Club will receive £3million out of a total prize fund of £20m
