'They've Sued Us' - LIV Golfers Not Welcome Back Claims PGA Tour Commissioner
After announcing a number of changes to the PGA Tour, Jay Monahan revealed that LIV golfers would not be welcome back


On Wednesday, PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan, revealed a number of huge changes to the PGA Tour in light of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. Within his press conference, the Commissioner also stated that those who have defected to LIV Golf will not be welcome back.
Taking questions from the media, Monahan's one word answer to the question: "If a player who has gone off to LIV looked at this and says, this looks pretty good, would you lift the suspension and welcome them back?" was clear and concise as he gave a two-letter response of "no".
Monahan speaks during his press conference at the Tour Championship
The American went on to add: "They've joined the LIV Golf Series and they've made that commitment. For most of them, they've made multiyear commitments. As I've been clear throughout, every player has a choice, and I respect their choice, but they've made it. We've made ours. We're going to continue to focus on the things that we control and get stronger and stronger. I think they understand that."
Originally, 11 LIV golfers had filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour that is set to go to trial in the early part of 2024, according to a report in Sports Illustrated.
However, over the past fortnight, both Carlos Ortiz and Pat Perez have withdrawn from the original 105-page complaint against the bans imposed by the PGA Tour to any of its members defecting to the Saudi-funded breakaway circuit.
Once again, Monahan was firm in his response to the possible return of LIV golfers to the PGA Tour, with the 52-year-old explaining: "As it relates to any of the scenarios for LIV players and coming back, I'll remind you that we're in a lawsuit. They've sued us. I think talking about any hypotheticals at this point doesn't make a lot of sense."
Mickelson is reportedly part of the nine LIV golfers involved in the lawsuit
As well as the new changes by the PGA Tour, golf fans will also see the new addition of a technology focussed golf league that will begin in 2024. Launched by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and in partnership with the PGA Tour, it will showcase team matches from a purpose-built venue on Monday evenings in a prime-time 2 hour slot.
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.
Consisting of 15 regular season Monday night matches before a knockout series, four time Major winner, McIlroy, stated in his press conference on Wednesday that the changes made by the PGA Tour "make the product more compelling".
The 33-year-old went on to add: "I saw a stat yesterday that, apart from the Major championships and maybe the Players [Championship], the top-10 players, top-20 players get together to play against each other one other time during the year.
"I think if you’re trying to sell a product to TV and to sponsors, and to try and get as many eyeballs on professional golf as possible, you need to at least let people know what they’re tuning in for."
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 weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
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. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite 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: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
Valspar Championship Picks, Predictions And Odds
The final event of the Florida Swing comes from the Valspar Championship, where nearly half of the world's top 50 are set to tee it up on the Copperhead Course
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Porsche Singapore Classic 2025 Picks, Predictions And Odds
The DP World Tour returns in Asia this week at the Porsche Singapore Classic, and we've picked our favorites to contend as well as an outside shout for the title
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Sergio Garcia Secures Double Victory At LIV Golf Hong Kong As Phil Mickelson Outlines Major Aspirations Following Best LIV Finish
Sergio Garcia triumphed by one stroke at Hong Kong Golf Club while helping his Fireballs GC to a narrow win in the team competition
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Two 5-Irons, Two Drivers And His 2013 Open-Winning Hybrid - 6 Fascinating Things From Phil Mickelson’s Equipment Setup
Phil Mickelson had some eye-catching club selections as he displayed what will be in his bag for the 2025 season
By Paul Higham Published
-
Phil Mickelson Gives His Verdict On LIV Golf's TV Deal
Phil Mickelson says LIV Golf is the only global golf brand as he celebrated the big TV deal with FOX Sports he hopes will help the team golf tour really kick on
By Paul Higham Published
-
Phil Mickelson’s LIV Golf Team Signs With Grant Horvat’s Apparel Company
Primo - partially owned by influencer, Grant Horvat - has been designated as the “official golf apparel sponsor” of Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers GC
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Phil Mickelson Backing 'Incredible' Ryder Cup Partner Keegan Bradley To 'Lead With Passion' As US Team Captain
The 12-time Ryder Cupper said Bradley's love for the biennial team competition is "more than anybody I know" and is backing him to thrive as US team captain
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
How Phil Mickelson Helped Brendan Steele Claim His First Win In Six Years At LIV Golf Adelaide
The 41-year-old American says he continues to improve even at his age thanks to his HyFlyers captain, Phil Mickelson
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
Phil Mickelson's New Caddie Sent Off With Heartfelt 'Thank You' By 10-Year Former Employer
Jon Yarbrough will replace Tim Mickelson as Lefty's looper ahead of the 2024 Masters and LIV Golf Miami
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
A Hole In The Life Of A Very Different Phil Mickelson – Inside The Ropes With Lefty
We follow a very different Phil Mickelson to the one who won The Open 10 years ago today
By Mark Townsend Published