LIV Golf rebels – including Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau – have been dealt a major blow as they are forced to wait until January 2024 for their lawsuit against the PGA Tour to be heard – FIVE MONTHS later than hoped
- July 23, 2023 is the provisional date for summary judgment on the lawsuit
- However, the hearing is scheduled to begin on January 8, 2024
- Lawyers for LIV Golf had hoped it would take place in August 2023 ahead of next year’s FedEx Cup Playoffs
- Nine of the original 11 LIV golfers who ran the suit remain involved
Those who remain calm on the fairways (mostly) will be put to the test in the courtroom as LIV golfers’ antitrust lawsuit has been significantly delayed.
The tentative date set for US District Judge Bath Labson Freeman’s summary judgment is July 23, 2023, in which the PGA Tour will almost certainly seek to have the case dropped.
The trial itself is expected to take place on January 8, 2024. Due to the postponement of the hearing, the LIV contingent is at a disadvantage, at least for the mediator.
Phil Mickelson signed a $200 million deal to join the runaway group
LIV Golf players had hoped for a hearing before next year’s FedEx Cup Playoffs begin on Aug. 7, 2023, but those hopes were dashed on Thursday.
Earlier this month, 11 Liv golfers sued the tour, challenging suspensions imposed for defecting.
Three of the nearly dozen — Hudson Swafford, Matt Jones and Talor Gooch — went so far as to seek injunctions that would have allowed them to play in the ongoing FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Labson, who was involved with the TROs, contested their restraining orders, resulting in their not being represented in the PGA postseason.
Bryson DeChambeau is one of the leading stars of the Saudi-backed firm and is among the nine remaining involved in the antitrust lawsuit
The group of 11 apparently lost a couple from the pack, according to tour lawyers.
Carlos Ortiz had already withdrawn, but another unnamed person reportedly took his name from the case.
A Wall Street Journal report said it reviewed a draft contract that LIV Golf had offered players and found that it was unclear whether the terms of the draft were included in all contracts or could be negotiated.
Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind the LIV Golf juggernaut
The draft contract also includes clauses requiring players to wear LIV golf branding at every golf tournament they attend “anywhere in the world” – thereby showing off and promoting the Rebel Tour at the majors.
Open champion Cameron Smith is expected to be the next player to sign with the Saudi Rebel Tour. His deal is said to be worth over $100 million.
Last month, Greg Norman confirmed that Tiger Woods had been offered a deal worth up to $800 million.
Australia’s Cam Smith is the next valuable asset slated for poaching from the PGA Tour