MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Rory McIlroyA federal judge in California denied a temporary restraining Order to three suspended PGA Tour players who signed with LIV Golf. They then wanted to play the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Talor Gooch, Matt JonesAnd Hudson SwaffordWhen the FedEx St. Jude Championship begins Thursday at TPC Southwind, I wont play.
McIlroy said Wednesday, From my vantage points, common sense prevailed, which I thought was the right decision. Now that it has happened, I think that it just lets us concentrate on the important thing, which is golf. It is possible to move on and not have this sideshow for the next few week, which is great.
Justin ThomasHe also agreed with the statement of a third party that he was looking to receive updates from the hearing via Twitter. The rulingBeth Labson Freeman, U.S. district court judge
McIlroy said that Thomas was right and LIV Golf was wrong, and that the ongoing dispute between the PGA Tour & LIV Golf became more personal as 11 players were included. Phil MickelsonAnd Bryson deChambeau, filed an Antitrust Suit against the PGA Tour in Federal Court last week.
Thomas said, It was very personal to me from beginning. Its almost like what I said at the beginning. These guys were allowed to play and just play. You can have your cake and not have to eat it. They got their fair share, so go ahead and enjoy the rest of the cake. You dont have to bring it on our tour.
McIlroy stated that he has more respect for players who were major champions in the past. Dustin JohnsonAnd Brooks KoepkaThe defection of a player to LIV Golf, but he didnt sue the tour nor try to return to play.
McIlroy stated that guys will make their own decisions that are best for them I dont think anyone should be denied the right to go over to play LIV, or take guaranteed money. Thats your choice and you can do whatever you like. I believe the source of the resentment from the tour members is the fact they want to try and get back in here with no consequences. Anybody whos read the PGA Tour Handbook or abided by the rules, that would feel very unfair.
Thomas, who won the PGA Championship in Southern Hills in May, said that the drama between the circuits was distracting him.
Thomas stated, Its just taking up golf world a bit and taking away storieslines that are great. I think that I saw. Scottie [Scheffler]He was able to complete his interview. [Tuesday]He was asked about it, and Im sure that he did. It was one of the most memorable seasons of all-time.
Its the most money ever won and winning the FedEx Cup by a mile. Im sure that there werent as much questions about that as they should have. Its the little things that make it difficult to see the bigger picture of the PGA Tours activities, and the whole game of golf.
The drama may not end soon. Although Freeman denied the temporary restraint order, she did not rule on the antitrust claims of the LIV players. She scheduled a jury trial at U.S. District Court San Jose, California for September 2023. There will be much depositions and discovery from both sides.
It is likely that more PGA Tour members will leave for lucrative signing bonuses or larger purses on LIV golf circuit. Cameron SmithThe No. The No. 2 ranked player in the world, who won the Open Championship at St. Andrews last week, is the latest player to have been recognized. The league reportedly linked him to the alleged incidentSaudi Arabias sovereign wealth funds financed the financing.
McIlroy realizes Tuesdays verdict was a small victory in a larger battle for the PGA Tour.
McIlroy stated that it felt like there was a long way to go. Its almost like you birdied the first hole but there are 17 more holes.