Judge denies temporary restraining order; LIV Golf players cannot compete in playoffs

A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that three suspended PGA Tour players who left for LIV Golf will not be allowed to participate in the FedExCup playoffs, which begin Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee.

In a two-hour hearing in San Jose, California, to consider the players’ motion for a temporary restraining order, Judge Beth Labson Freeman determined that Talor Gooch, Matt Jones and Hudson Swafford knew the potential consequences of joining the rival LIV circuit and should not be granted emergency injunctive relief to play in the Tour’s lucrative postseason.

The judge said that the three players have already been well-compensated for playing LIV Golf, which has lured players with significant…