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.
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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 Tour, “I am a free agent and independent contractor.” They are among 10 players — including Phil Mickelson — who filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour last week.
The first of three FedEx Cup playoff events begins Thursday in Memphis, Tenn., as players compete for the $18 million top prize.