Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have arguably been the two most vocal players surrounding the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, with it being recently announced that the pair have launched a technology focussed golf league that will begin in 2024.
However, following the launch of the league, as well as a number of huge changes announced by PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan, it has been reported that both Woods and McIlroy were served notice of a subpoena to reveal details of a recent meeting between PGA Tour players’ at last weeks' BMW Championship, the second tournament of the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Monahan highlighted a number of key changes which are designed to "bring the game's top players together more often."
In a press release, it stated that: “It is believed that discussions occurred which are alleged… to be anticompetitive and violative of the antitrust laws vis a vis the LIV Golf Tour and its players”. The release added that Woods has been given notice of a deposition on the 21st September, McIlroy is the 22nd September and PGA Tour Commissioner, Monahan, the 27th September in Jupiter Florida.
Larry Klayman, who is a lawyer representing the lead plaintiff in a case against the PGA Tour, reportedly claims that: "This is not a personal 'thing' against Woods, McIlroy and Monahan. It's about getting information about what occurred at the players' meeting and generally with regard to allegations in our complaint that the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and their commissioners Jay Monahan and Keith Pelley, are allegedly colluding in restraint of trade and the antitrust laws to harm the LIV Golf Tour and its players.”
Along with his statement, Klayman also added that the new PGA Tour changes, in which include the introduction of four elevated events, as well as a Player Impact Program purse that will increase to $100m, is an attempt “to emulate LIV Golf, while continuing to allegedly harm LIV and its players", with Klayman calling it "LIV Light".
Klayman speaks outside the US Federal District Courthouse in January 2019
Following Monahan's press conference at the Tour Championship, LIV Golf reacted to the changes, with the Saudi-backed series releasing a statement which simply read: “LIV Golf is clearly the best thing that’s ever happened to help the careers of professional golfers”.
The series CEO, Greg Norman, couldn't help but take a dig as well, as the Australian posted a meme of himself and Monahan, with the caption showing the PGA Tour boss asking: “Hey, can I copy your homework?” and Norman replying: “Sure, just make it look different so it doesn’t look too obvious”. The post drew laughing emoji responses from LIV players Lee Westwood and Charles Howell III.
-
Monday Qualifier Outperforms Playing Partner Scottie Scheffler By Six Strokes At WM Phoenix OpenWill Chandler only secured a spot in the WM Phoenix Open via the Monday qualifier and, on Sunday, was paired with Scottie Scheffler, a player he beat by six strokes
-
Yealimi Noh Claims Maiden LPGA Tour Title At Founders CupThe 23-year-old held off two-time Major winner Jin-Young Ko in an epic final round tussle to secure a maiden LPGA Tour title at the Founders Cup
-
Report: Tiger Woods Plays Golf With US President Donald TrumpThe 15-time Major winner has reportedly played golf with US President Donald Trump
-
Tiger Woods Confirmed For Genesis Invitational ReturnThe 15-time Major winner will make his first start of the year next week at Torrey Pines
-
Huge TV Numbers Generated By Rory McIlroy's Pebble Beach Win Buck Recent PGA Tour TrendRory McIlroy's victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was reportedly the most-watched non-Major and non-Players broadcast for over a year
-
'It Seemed Like It Was Pointed At Me' - Rory McIlroy Responds To Charley Hoffman's PGA Tour LetterThe four-time Major champion gave his view on the letter sent to PGA Tour membership from Charley Hoffman, which he felt was aimed his way
-
'She Was My Biggest Fan' - Tiger Woods Announces Death Of His Mother KultidaWoods paid tribute to his "biggest fan" and "greatest supporter" who has sadly passed away
-
'I Think Really Good Venues Are A Big Part Of The Storyline' - Rory McIlroy Singles Out One Aspect For New Look PGA TourSitting in contention at Pebble Beach, McIlroy had nothing but praise for the course, claiming venues like it are far more interesting than 'a run of the mill TPC'
-
Social Media Reacts To Rory McIlroy's Incredible 353-Yard Drive At Pebble BeachThe four-time Major winner took an inventive option when tackling the par-5 14th at Pebble Beach
-
Rory McIlroy Makes Golf Ball Switch Days Before Pebble Beach AceThe Northern Irishman revealed he had stumbled across the change while practicing in the build-up to the Pebble Beach Pro-Am
