Phil Mickelson Explains Why He's Considering Backing Out Of LIV Lawsuit
The six-time Major winner stated that he is considering dropping out of the antitrust lawsuit


LIV Golf's fifth event gets underway in Chicago this week and, in the run-up to the tournament, one of its biggest and recognized names has revealed some news in the form of the series' antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour.
Phil Mickelson, who only two weeks ago told Sports Illustrated that he has "moved on" from the PGA Tour, has now announced that he is considering dropping out of the antitrust lawsuit "now that LIV is involved."
LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman, at LIV Golf Boston back in late August
Speaking at LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago, the 52-year-old told SI.com: “Now that LIV is involved, it’s not necessary for me to be involved. I currently still am. I don’t know what I’m going to do, really.
“The only reason for me to stay in is (monetary) damages, which I don’t really want or need anything. I do think it’s important that the players have the right to play when and where they want, when and where they qualify for. And now that LIV is a part of it, that will be accomplished if and when they win.’’
Back in early August, 11 PGA Tour defectors filed the lawsuit - including Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau. That number has since dropped after Carlos Ortiz, Pat Perez, Abraham Ancer and Jason Kokrak withdrew from proceedings, with LIV Golf themselves joining the lawsuit over a fortnight ago.
Perez and Kokrak are amongst the names who have withdrawn from the antitrust lawsuit
The former members are challenging their suspension from the PGA Tour in light of their playing in the Saudi-backed series. The motion states: "The Tour's conduct serves no purpose other than to cause harm to players and foreclose the entry of the first meaningful competitive threat the Tour has faced in decades."
So far, there have been a number of cases that have gone to court. Before the Scottish Open, LIV players were set to be banned, but Branden Grace, Ian Poulter, Justin Harding and Adrian Otaegui had their bans "temporarily stayed," resulting in them featuring at The Renaissance Club.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
However, the same result did not occur for PGA Tour players Talor Gooch, Matt Jones and Hudson Swafford surrounding the FedEx Cup. The three LIV Golf players had filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) to allow them to play in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Judge Beth Labson Freeman though, ruled that the trio felt "no irreparable harm" and were consequently denied a temporary restraining order. As a result, they were not permitted to play in the lucrative Playoffs that was eventually won by Rory McIlroy.

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. His favorite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°
Irons: TaylorMade P.7CB
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
-
US Open Final Qualifying At Walton Heath: Who Made It And Who Missed Out?
Some notable names booked their places in the US Open at Oakmont in Final Qualifying at Walton Heath, but plenty more high-profile players missed out
-
Wyndham Clark Apologizes For ‘Uncalled For And Completely Inappropriate’ Driver Smash At PGA Championship
The 2023 US Open champion lost his cool at the 16th during his final round at Quail Hollow, and now he has apologized for the incident
-
'It Matters Where You Play' - Brandel Chamblee Says LIV Golf's Lack Of Competition Cost Bryson DeChambeau And Jon Rahm At PGA Championship
The Golf Channel analyst argued contrasting field strengths on the rival tours led to varying results for Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm
-
The Monstrous Driving Distance Numbers Bryson DeChambeau Is Recording At The PGA Championship
The US Open champion is a full 18 yards clear of the field in the driving distance category
-
'It Sets Up For A Great Rory, Bryson Back And Forth Here' - Why Quail Hollow Is Perfect For DeChambeau v McIlroy Trilogy Battle For PGA Championship
Bryson DeChambeau is up for a triology battle with Rory McIlroy at the PGA Championship, and Quail Hollow looks the perfect course to stage the latest clash in this building Major rivalry
-
'I Don’t Know What He Was Expecting. We're Trying To Win The Masters, I'm Not Going To Be His Best Mate Out There' - Rory McIlroy Explains Blanking Bryson DeChambeau At Augusta
Rory McIlroy explained exactly why he didn't speak to Bryson DeChambeau during the final round of The Masters
-
Bryson DeChambeau Sends Out PGA Championship Warning After LIV Golf Korea Victory
DeChambeau produced an excellent performance in Korea, with the US Open champion claiming a two shot victory a fortnight out from the second men's Major of the season
-
Watch Bryson DeChambeau Smash 400+ Yard Monster Drive In LIV Golf Mexico Practice
DeChambeau is hitting mega drives this week in the 7,800ft altitude setting of Golf Club de Chapultepec in Mexico City
-
Tiger Woods Heads 8 Golfers To Make All Time Rich List Of Top 50 Highest Paid Athletes
Tiger Woods is the second highest paid athlete of all time behind only Michael Jordan in a new top 50 rich list from Sportico
-
Rory McIlroy's Sports Psychologist Explains Why He 'Didn't Talk' To Bryson DeChambeau In Masters Final Round
DeChambeau raised eyebrows at Augusta National when claiming that McIlroy wouldn't engage in conversation during the final round of The Masters