PGA Tour launches LIV Golf lawsuit counterclaim

According to the lawsuit, the LIV Golf series offered players "astronomical sums of money" to break their contracts so they could help whitewash the recent history of Saudi atrocities.

A counter claim has been filed by the PGA Tour.

The PGA suspended and fined players who left the tour to join the series.

The PGA is being sued by LIV.

LIV's strategy has been to induce Tour members to break their Tour agreements and play in LIV events while trying to maintain their Tour memberships and play in marquee Tour events so they can free ride off the Tour, according to thePGA.

The series is an effort to improve the public image of Saudi Arabia following criticism of its human rights record, according to the accusation.

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson, former world number oneDustin Johnson and Open champion Cameron Smith are among the players who are joining LIV, which offers a $25 million purse.

Money was a factor in Smith's decision to join the series, as he was said to have received $150 million.

The PGA Tour's counter lawsuit was made transparent to divert attention from their anti-competitive conduct.

The justice system will correct the wrongs, it said.

Four players requested to be removed from the lawsuit.

They no longer needed to pursue the matter as individuals after LIV joined the claim.