The news comes a month after the DP World Tour, which was formerly known as the European Tour, won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who featured in conflicting LIV Golf events without permission.

The DP World said in a statement that they had been sanctioned for serious breaches of the Tour's Conflicting Tournament Regulation committed last June after playing in England's first Saudi-backed LIV Golf event.

The Poulter, Garcia and Westwood trio have played in 28 Ryder Cups between them.

"The DP World Tour would like to thank the four players for the contribution they have made to the Tour and, in particular, to Sergio, Ian and Lee for the significant part they have played in Europe's success in the Ryder Cup over many years," the Tour said in a statement.

"Their resignations, however, along with the sanctions imposed upon them, are a consequence of their own choices.

"The Tour has a responsibility to its entire membership to administer the member regulations which each player signs up to."

The Tour added it would provide further updates on other sanctioned members on Thursday.

This year's Ryder Cup takes place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome from September 29 to October 1.

Garcia is the Ryder Cup's record points scorer with 28.5, while Westwood has played a record 11 matches, being part of seven winning teams.

Poulter, another Ryder Cup stalwart, has played a vital role in some of Europe's biggest successes in the biennial contest against the United States