SAN JOSE, Calif. — Saudi-funded LIV Golf player files antitrust lawsuit against PGA TOUR with nearly 16 months to settle have to wait. trial.
U.S. District Judge Beth Loveson Freeman opened the trial on Thursday, January 8, 2024.
Judges said there was room in the schedule for late September or early October, depending on whether LIV's attorneys would issue the preliminary injunction. This means that a PGA Tour player who gets suspended because of his contract with rival leagues could miss another year of PGA Tour events.
Freeman wanted to play in the postseason on the PGA Tour last week. refused.
LIV's attorneys had hoped for a trial date of 7 August 2023, arguing that the case needed to proceed expeditiously. Attorneys for the PGA Tour said it was unreasonable to be properly prepared, which coincided with the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs, which would likely require testimony from the PGA Tour commissioner and other executives.
Freeman has set a summary judgment date of July 23, 2023, at which time Tour will likely seek dismissal of the lawsuit.
The lawsuit was filed two weeks ago by 11 players, but Carlos Ortiz has asked to have his name removed from the lawsuit, and LIV's attorneys have filed evidence from nine players. It says it needs disclosure materials, suggesting another player may have dropped out. litigation.
