The Department of Justice is investigating whether the PGA Tour engaged in anticompetitive behavior as it battles the upstart, Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, the PGA Tour confirmed to The Wall Street Journal.
Per the report:
“Players’ agents have received inquiries from the DOJ’s antitrust division involving both the PGA Tour’s bylaws governing players’ participation in other golf events, and the PGA Tour’s actions in recent months relating to LIV Golf, according to a person familiar with those inquiries….The questions send a clear signal that the Justice Department is watching the fight that has divided professional golf, which both sides expect to end up in U.S. courts at some point. Such an investigation would ordinarily include the subject being instructed to freeze all relevant communications, both internal and with third parties.”
LIV Golf’s next event is scheduled to be played in New Jersey at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.
LIV Golf has disrupted the sport by offering $25 million in prize money at its tournaments in addition to the reportedly significant sums some top pros are receiving for agreeing to play for LIV Golf.
