Jones, DeChambeau Officially Leave LIV Golf v. PGA Tour Lawsuit, the latter finally defects to PGA tour

Matt Jones and Bryson DeChambeau, the last two golfers involved in the lawsuit between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, have officially withdrawn their claims. On Thursday, their attorneys filed a voluntary dismissal with prejudice in a California federal court, barring the possibility of re-filing their claims.

Initially, the lawsuit was launched by 11 LIV golfers last August, accusing the PGA Tour of monopolistic control over the elite golf market. However, as golfers like Jones and DeChambeau exit the case, the focus now shifts entirely to LIV Golf’s ongoing legal battle against the PGA Tour.

The PGA Tour has counter-sued LIV Golf, its financial backer, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), and PIF’s governor, Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan, for alleged interference with player contracts.

The legal dispute has evolved into a broader confrontation over market dominance and contractual obligations. LIV Golf argues that the PGA Tour wields excessive control over elite golfers, while the PGA Tour contends LIV’s recruitment efforts and contracts have undermined its operations. Jones and DeChambeau’s withdrawal, following Peter Uihlein’s exit earlier this month, suggests concerns about upcoming depositions and legal scrutiny. Although the golfers are no longer plaintiffs, they remain subject to potential discovery requests as witnesses. Their decision to step back underscores the growing complexity of the case, which now pivots on LIV Golf’s legal strategy and the PGA Tour’s defense against accusations of anti-competitive practices.