Federal Judge Denies LIV Golfers Bid for PGA Tour Postseason

Signage for LIV Golf is displayed during the pro-am round of the Bedminster Invitational LIV Golf tournament in Bedminster, N.J., Thursday, July 28, 2022. Seth Wenig/AP Photo

SAN JOSE, Calif.—A federal judge in California has ruled three golfers who joined Saudi-backed LIV Golf will not be able to compete in the PGA Tour’s postseason.

Judge Beth Labson Freeman made her decision Tuesday afternoon in San Jose after attorneys for the sides each spoke for about an hour.

The golfers were seeking a temporary restraining order, which Freeman denied.

Talor Gooch, Matt Jones and Hudson Swafford claimed they should be able to play where they want to, each saying in letters last month to the PGA, “I am a free agent and independent contractor.”

Talor Gooch of the United States celebrates with the trophy on the 18th green after winning during the final round of The RSM Classic on the Seaside Course at Sea Island Resort in St. Simons Island, Georgia, on November 21, 2021. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

They are among 10 players who filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour last week–including Phil Mickelson.

The first of three FedEx Cup playoff events begin Thursday as players compete for the $18 million top prize.