Phil Mickelson, other LIV golfers file antitrust lawsuit against PGA Tour: report

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The ongoing battle between the long-established PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league has finally gone beyond words. 

Six-time majors champion Phil Mickelson has joined 11 other golfers in filing an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour over its indefinite suspension of members that have defected to the rival circuit over the past few months, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. 

Phil Mickelson walks off the 14th green after missing a birdie putt during the PGA Championship, May 22, 2021, in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

In addition to the complaint, three other golfers – Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones – have all filed for a temporary restraining order to compete in next week’s FedEx Cup playoffs, arguing that they qualified before joining LIV Golf.

DOJ LAUNCHES ANTITRUST PROBE INTO PGA TOUR’S HANDLING OF LIV GOLF’S EMERGENCE: REPORT

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan issued a memo in June informing members that anyone competing in LIV Golf events would be ineligible to compete in Tour-sponsored events and the Presidents Cup. 

"These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons. But they can’t demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you. That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners. You have made a different choice, which is to abide by the Tournament Regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA Tour card and – more importantly – to compete as part of the preeminent organization in the world of professional golf," the memo read.

LIV Golf signage at The