Team captain Phil Mickelson of Hy Flyers GC is seen in the 18th jersey during day two of the LIV Golf Invitational – Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms on Sept. 17, 2022 in Sugar Grove, Illinois.
Chris Troutman | Leaf golf | Getty Images
Phil Mickelson and three other LIV golfers withdrew from an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour.
Mickelson and 10 other players were affiliated with LIV She sued the PGA Tour in August after the Tour suspended them for their participation in rival LIV Golf league. The lawsuit alleged that the PGA Tour bans were anti-competitive.
Jonathan Grilla, a representative for LIV Golf, said that the merits of the lawsuit remain and that LIV will continue to pursue the case.
The PGA Tour declined to comment.
Taylor Gotch, Hudson Swafford and Ian Poulter also dismissed their lawsuits against the PGA Tour, the court reported Tuesday to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
“With LIV involved in these issues, players’ rights will be protected, and I no longer feel it is necessary for me to be a part of the proceedings,” Mickelson said in a statement provided via LIV Golf.
The other three players also indicated their confidence that LIV was adequately pursuing antitrust lawsuits.
TThe Department of Justice is also investigating the PGA Tour for possible antitrust violations Associated with LIV Golf.
When the lawsuit was initially filed, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan blocked the decision to suspend LIV affiliated players.
“Allowing a return to our events harms the Tour and the competition, to the detriment of our organization, our players, our partners, and our fans,” Monahan wrote in a note to tour members.
LIV Golf has also come under scrutiny. The league is partly funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which is controlled by the Saudi crown prince. Michelson has been criticized for his affiliation with the kingdom and has admitted to committing human rights violations committed by the kingdom.
Critics have also described the league as an attempt at “sports washing” to improve Saudi Arabia’s image.
Earlier this month, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman visited Capitol Hill In order to “educate members about LIV’s business model and counteract the round’s anti-competitive efforts,” according to Grella.
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