Talor Gooch is one of three PGA Tour players whose appeal was rejected. Kevin C. Cox
By Joel Beall
A judge in US District Court has denied a motion to three LIV Golf members seeking to participate in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, giving the PGA Tour the first victory in the legal battle between the tour and the new circuit.
As part of the lawsuit filed by Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and nine others against the PGA Tour last week, three players — Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones — attempted to get a temporary restraining order to play in this week’s FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis. Gooch, Swafford and Jones had argued that the tour had inflicted “irreparable harm” by keeping the players, who had been suspended by the tour for their participation in LIV Golf events, out of the tour’s post-season.
However, in a San Jose courtroom, Judge Beth Freeman sided with the tour.
“LIV contracts are based upon players calculation of what they were leaving behind,” Freeman said, adding they had not established a likelihood of success by their merits in the overall antitrust case.
In a two-hour hearing, lawyers for both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour at times seem to be making cases for the other side. A LIV Golf legal representative called the FedEx Cup the “Super Bowl of golf,” while PGA Tour representation claimed the LIV Golf event at Trump Bedminster had more “elite” players than the field at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. And Judge Freeman appeared to be poking holes in both sides, taking exception with PGA Tour Comissioner Jay Monahan’s ability to have absolute say in suspending players while questioning if, someday, the tour would be the party filing antitrust action against LIV Golf.
In its response to the original TRO motion, the tour had argued that the LIV players were “fabricating an emergency” and questioned the timing of the filing. Judge Freeman did not agree, feeling the filing was timely. But Freeman also said the LIV players are making double than what they made on tour, thus hurting the case that the tour suspensions were truly causing harm.
Following the defeat LIV Golf issued the following statement: “We’re disappointed that Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones won’t be allowed to play
golf. No one gains by banning golfers from playing.”
Monahan sent a memo stating: “With today’s news, our players, fans and partners can now focus on what really matters over the next three weeks: the best players in the world competing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, capping off an incredibly compelling season with the crowning of the FedExCup champion at the Tour Championship.”
After the ruling Judge Freeman set the timeline for the remainder of the Mickelson vs. PGA Tour lawsuit. The trial, in which LIV Golf asserts antitrust actions by the PGA Tour, is set to begin in September 2023.
You may also like:
Reed was ‘on the fence’ but loving team life on LIV Golf
LIV Golfers take in the sights ahead of International Series Singapore
PGA Tour says LIV Golf players ‘fabricating an emergency’
LIV Golf numbers grow on Asian Tour
Zalatoris to play 40th anniversary Nedbank Challenge
Gary Player at odds with son once again
WATCH: Highlights of the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield
15 fascinating PGA Tour FedEx Cup stats
LOOK: Big names who just lost their PGA Tour card
WATCH: An emotional Nick Faldo says goodbye
Rickie Fowler is lucky Mr 125 on PGA Tour FedExCup playoffs list
Relief for Buhai at AIG Women’s Open
Decision time for LIV Golfers in PGA Tour battle
R&A increases Women’s Open purse to 7.3 million
Get the August 2022 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here in English and Arabic
Legend John Daly ‘begged’ for LIV Golf spot
Mickelson was suspended by PGA Tour in March; banned for two years
Mickelson and Dechambeau lead group of 11 LIV golfers suing PGA Tour
Adam Hadwin in trouble with wife Jessica — again
LIV Golf gives to local charities in New Jersey
Bryson DeChambeau on LIV/PGA feud and his $125m signing-on fee
What it is like to be the first woman from your country to win a title
Five players to watch at the AIG Women’s Open
Australian army target more glory in Scotland
Laura Davies’ unique return to Muirfield
Phil Mickelson becomes highest-paid athlete of 2022
WATCH: LIV Golf highlights from Bedminster
Stenson takes debut LIV Golf title at Bedminster
