The power struggle between the PGA and the new-coming golf association, the LIV has reached its pinnacle.
The PGA Tour is being issued an antitrust lawsuit by 11 golfers, including Phil Mickelson.
The 6-Time major champ headlines a host of LIV golfers who are filing the lawsuit after the tour issued suspensions on the golfers, for a failure to uphold the tour policy.
The tour policy has conflicting event releases for overseas tournaments. The players are allowed up to three excused events per year, with additional stipulations.
However, they declined such releases to the London event due to their belief that the Saudi-funded league was a hostile competitor to them.
Mickelson, who has participated in the league for 30-plus years, was the 1st major domino to fall, being suspended for two years after attending the Portland LIV event, losing his eligibility until March 31. 2024.
The 52-year-old was said to believe his tenure with the association would excuse him, as he is reportedly not required to play a minimum number of events.
In the suit, the plaintiff claim highlighted Mickelson, as his suspension takes away his opportunity to earn up to $10 million annually in the Player Impact Program, as well as both the FedEx Cup and OWGR rankings.
The lawsuit was also said to threaten lifetime bans to not only competitors, but sponsors, vendors, and agents alike who entertained the move to the LIV.
Below are the list of players involved in the suit:
Phil Mickelson
Bryson DeChambeau
Abraham Ancer
Carlos Ortiz
Ian Poulter
Pat Perez
Jason Kokrak
Peter Uihlein
Talor Gooch
Hudson Swafford
Matt Jones
The latter 3; Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford, and Matt Jones, are to file a seeking a temporary restraining order that allows them to play in next week’s FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Pitting the staple of golf (the PGA) in a more polarizing light, as the already polarizing LIV has become the sympathetic newcomer, attracting more and more star power.
