Report: LIV Golf involved in ‘Secret legal dispute’ with Premier Golf League

In a brewing legal confrontation, LIV Golf finds itself entangled in an eight-figure dispute over allegations of copying its format from the Premier Golf League (PGL), according to a report from The Times.

The PGL, positioned as a potential rival to both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, traces its origins back to 2014 and publicly announced its aspirations in 2020 to attract top-tier players. Spearheaded by Andrew Gardiner, a British lawyer and entrepreneur, the league proposed a format comprising 54-hole tournaments with shotgun starts, where teams of four players would simultaneously compete for individual and team honors. The venture secured financial support from Saudi Arabia.

Andrew Gardiner articulated his vision to various media outlets, including Golf Digest, asserting, “The planning is all done, the platform is built, the financial backing is in place.” However, Saudi Arabia opted to back its golf initiative, prompting several PGL executives to join Performance 54, the entity overseeing LIV Golf’s operations. LIV Golf debuted in 2021, launching its inaugural season in 2022, while attempts by the PGL to collaborate with the European Tour were rejected.

Despite the PGL’s efforts to engage PGA Tour players through an open letter advocating for change, no significant progress ensued. The PGL projected players could potentially earn up to $20 million each, with $2 million upfront. While Gardiner maintained composure publicly, referring to LIV as a validation of their concept, behind the scenes, the PGL has been quietly engaged in a dispute with LIV, likely centered around intellectual property rights.

As of now, no formal legal action has been initiated, as The Times reports that the PGL is instructing its legal counsel to seek a resolution to avoid arbitration. The PGL is seeking $60 million in damages from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Amidst this legal standoff, LIV Golf is presently hosting an event in Saudi Arabia, marking its third season in operation.