US judiciary questions golf stars

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Why were golf stars Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau recently questioned by the US Justice Department? They are embroiled in a legal battle between the longstanding US PGA Tour and competition from Saudi Arabia (LIV Golf). The competing series, funded by Saudi state fund PIF, has recently courted numerous stars (including Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, and Lee Westwood) with astronomical inaugural fees. Phil Mickelson received $200 million for his move.

Competition – or just sports washing?

The PGA Tour subsequently banned the professionals for violating the PGA Tour’s terms and conditions by participating in LIV tournaments. In August 2022, Phil Mickelson therefore filed an antitrust case against the PGA Tour, which was followed first by other professionals and finally the LIV Tour.

The PGA Tour responded with a counterclaim. Those responsible argue that the LIV tour is not a competitor that offers progress and added value for sports, players and audiences, but simply another attempt by the Saudis to clean up the desert state’s tarnished human rights record by spending billions in investing in sports.

Short tournaments, shorts, money for everyone

The LIV Tour runs tournaments played over 54 instead of 72 holes and has no cut, has ditched the conservative dress code (players may wear shorts) and offers prize money for all participants in addition to initial costs. What is missing from the LIV tour so far? The great popularity of the public and a fat TV contract.

A California court ruled in favor of the traditionalists in February, ordering Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF ($650 billion in working capital) as owner of the Gulf series to disclose all business dealings in the United States to settle the case. can treat. solid reason. The ruling also means that PIF chairman Sheikh Yasir Al-Rumayyan (53, boss of Premier League club Newcastle) would also have to testify in court. The LIV lawyers have now appealed to a US Court of Appeals.

Next appointment? Sometime next year

The players? They are currently participating in the PGA Championship in Rochester (US state of New York), the second major tournament of the year. In the four major tournaments (Masters, PGA, US Open, British Open) the LIV defectors are allowed to participate if they meet the starting criteria. While the Majors are an integral part of the PGA Tour season in terms of scoring, they are not hosted by the Pro Tour itself. The next date in court? Probably in May 2024. Until then, however, the taking of evidence is partially suspended. So it may take longer.

Source : Blick