RORY MCLLROY has backed a judge's decision to block three players from LIV Golf's request to play in this week's FedEx St Jude Championship in Tennessee this Thursday
The three players, which were Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) to allow them to contest the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Judge Beth Labson Freeman blocked the request
This comes after the PGA Tour's decision to suspend them after they joined the LIV Golf Series.
Mcllroy, a four-time major winner speaking ar his pro-am round at TPC Southwind said that the ruling was the correct decision
"From my vantage point, common sense prevailed, and I thought it was the right decision," McIlroy said
"We can all move forward and not have that sideshow going on for the next few weeks, which is nice.’’
“From my vantage point, common sense prevailed, and I thought it was the right decision.” -- Rory McIlroy and other @PGATOUR players react to Tuesday’s court ruling. pic.twitter.com/RAuBxjEn55
— Golf Today (@GCGolfToday) August 10, 2022
The Holywood native has become a DeFacto spokesperson against the new Saudi-funded league and says 'it's just the role he's found myself in.'
"I don't feel like it's my job to be up here and sticking up for the PGA Tour or being a spokesperson; it's just the role I have found myself in, he added
"I feel when I then get myself inside the ropes, I feel that no-one can get to me and that's really nice. It's made the golf more enjoyable - if anything it has probably helped my golf."
Meanwhile LIV Golf issued a statement regarding Judge Beth Labson Freeman's ruling
"We’re disappointed that Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones won’t be allowed to play golf."
‘No-one gains by banning golfers from playing.’
The claim for a temporary restraining order was separate from the broader antitrust lawsuit initially filed by 11 players, including Phil Mickelson and Ian Poulter. Mexico's Carlos Ortiz has subsequently withdrawn his name from the suit.
Judge Freeman said the earliest a trial could start would be August 2023.
