The LIV players, including Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poultier, have by court order forced their way into this week's European Tour competition in order to accumulate points in the world rankings.

Something you can't do on the LIV tour.

This has not been well received by the players who chose not to switch to the Saudi-sponsored tour.

- My opinion is that the LIV players should not be here.

They got a lot of money to go to another tour, which is trying to buy the professional game.

And now they are taking spots from those who really need to play to keep their spot on the tour for next year.

A player like that is missing out on that opportunity now, says Rory McIlroy.

Horschel and Poultier smoked together on the track

Before the competition, American Billy Horschel was seen confronting Ian Poulter on the practice green (see clip in player above).

The Englishman is one of the players Horschel thinks should have stayed at home.

- The LIV guys... When they signed their contracts, they took into account that they would not be able to play on either the PGA or DP World Tour.

They knew it would be difficult to get ranking points, but they got so much money that they accepted it, says Horschel.

He believes that the LIV tour divides players who were previously friends.

- I have been good friends with players like Ian and Lee for many years, but with my hand on my heart I feel that this is a slap in the face to the tour's other players.

They come here and play the biggest event of the tour, it's the same as coming here and taking money out of the other players' pockets.

I just don't think it's right

"Some I won't shake hands with"

Shane Lowry from Ireland, who won the British Open in 2019, also expressed his displeasure at the press conference.

- The LIV guys are here to earn ranking points, but they're also here to destroy.

There are clearly some with whom I will shake hands this week and some with whom I will not, he says.

CUT: McIlroy's check against the LIV tour

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McIlroy's dick against the LIV tour Photo: Bildbyrån