Phil MickelsonAccording to a Tuesday filing, three other golfers asked for dismissal as plaintiffs in LIV Golf’s federal antitrust case against the PGA Tour. A notice of voluntary dissolution was filed Tuesday.
Talor Gooch, Ian Poulter Hudson SwaffordThey also requested to not be named as plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit. The lawsuit accuses PGA Tour illegally suspending players for participating in LIV Golf events, and using its monopoly power in squashing competition.
Mickelson is a six-time major champion and told reporters at LIV Golf outside Chicago two weeks ago that it was in his thoughts to withdraw from the lawsuit. Following todays proceedings, Mickelson reiterated that position.
Mickelson stated Tuesday that he is focused on moving forward and was extremely happy to be a part LIV. He also expressed gratitude for his time on the Tour. I am happy that players on Tour are being heard, respected, valued, and are benefitting greatly from the changes recently implemented. LIVs involvement in these matters will ensure that the players rights are protected. I no longer feel it necessary to be part of the proceedings.
Poulter is as confident as Mickelson that LIV Golf will serve the best interests its players.
Poulter stated Tuesday that he was extremely happy to be a member of LIV. I have decided to forgo my involvement in this matter, now that I am no longer a member PGA. I trust LIV will prevail in the legal case.
Four other players were initially part of the lawsuit Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz, Pat Perez Jason Kokrak— are no longer involved in this case.
Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Jones Peter UihleinLIV Golf and LIV Golf will remain as plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
Jonathan Grella, LIV Golfs spokesman, said Tuesday morning that nothing had changed. The merits, namely the PGA Tours anticompetitive conduct, still stand and will be fully examined in court. We look forward. LIV stands by the players that the PGA Tour has treated so badly, but we also recognize the need to have a diverse group of players in order to succeed. We stand with our players and will continue to press against the PGA Tour for anti-competitive behavior.
Mickelson has been at LIV Golfs center of the ongoing battle against the PGA Tour for top players around the world. He was among the first to sign with LIV. LIV, which is financed through Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund, is led by two-time Open champion. Greg Norman.
Mickelson had complained to the PGA Tour about its obnoxious greed but argued that professional golfers are independent contractors and should be able play wherever they like.
Mickelson stated that I believe that its essential that players have the ability to play whenever and where they want Now that LIVs a part of, [the lawsuit]If they win, then that will happen.
Jay Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner, suspended more than twenty-six members for participating in LIV golf tournaments without conflicting event releases. Mickelson stated that LIV Golf is here and staying and that all competing tours need to find a way to coexist.
The PGA Tour has had the best players in the game for the past 20-30 years. This will not be the case again. Mickelson stated Sept. 17 that LIV Golf will be around forever.
We can only find the best solution if we all come together. Professional golf needs the PGA Tours historic history of golf product. I believe LIV offers a cool, modern feel that is appealing to a lot younger crowds. Both are great for the game of golf, and LIV Golf should be included in the golf worlds ecosystem. We all can start to work together as soon as this happens. It will be a positive thing for everyone.
