The golfing world is in a state of disbelief this afternoon with the news that the PGA Tour and DP World Tour are set to merge with LIV Golf.
The PGA Tour made the announcement this afternoon, confirming that the traditional tours had come to an agreement with the Saudi-backed venture 'to unify the game of golf, on a global basis'.
Here's a snapshot of that statement.
The parties have signed an agreement that combines PIF’s golf-related commercial businesses and rights (including LIV Golf) with the commercial businesses and rights of the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour into a new, collectively owned, for-profit entity to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from a model that delivers maximum excitement and competition among the game’s best players.
In addition, PIF will make a capital investment into the new entity to facilitate its growth and success. The new entity (name TBD) will implement a plan to grow these combined commercial businesses, drive greater fan engagement and accelerate growth initiatives already underway.
With LIV Golf in the midst of its second, groundbreaking season, the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and PIF will work together to best feature and grow team golf going forward.
Notably, today’s announcement will be followed by a mutually agreed end to all pending litigation between the participating parties.
Further, the three organisations will work cooperatively and in good faith to establish a fair and objective process for any players who desire to re-apply for membership with the PGA TOUR or the DP World Tour following the completion of the 2023 season and for determining fair criteria and terms of re-admission, consistent with each Tour’s policies.
You can read the statement in full here.
Golfing world in shock as PGA Tour merges with LIV Golf
This news is both seismic and unexpected.
LIV Golf had been at war with the game's traditional tours, poaching a number of big names and being involved in numerous law suits with the pair.
While both parties had suggested that some sort of agreement could be reach between the involved parties at some stage in the years ahead, it was not expected to happen so soon.
As a result, some big names in golf were taken completely by surprise with this announcement.
I love finding out morning news on Twitter
— Collin Morikawa (@collin_morikawa) June 6, 2023
Welfare Check on Chamblee
— Brooks Koepka (@BKoepka) June 6, 2023
Awesome day today 😊 https://t.co/qUwVJiydym
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) June 6, 2023
I’ve grown up being a fan of the 4 Aces. Maybe one day I get to play for them on the PGA Tour!
— Joel Dahmen (@Joel_Dahmen) June 6, 2023
The Brooks Koepka tweet refers to Brandel Chamblee, who has been one of the biggest critics of LIV Golf.
As for the general golf fan, the whole thing was a bit surreal.
PGA tour to merge with LIV golf, the Saudi/PIF backed group that paid huge money to top golfers and the one that Rory and Tiger rejected. pic.twitter.com/KL4Mlf7nfG
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) June 6, 2023
Guys who got paid millions and millions and now less than a year later get their PGA tour card back, what a heist
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) June 6, 2023
So does this mean that the PGA Tour is full partners with the Saudi government now? This is absolutely wild.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 6, 2023
Greg Norman heading into his first meeting as co-CEO of the PGA Tour pic.twitter.com/dcX8EO2V34
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) June 6, 2023
Would love to see how the deals work out. Imagine being a stronghold PGA Tour guy now? https://t.co/J5tDYAfsp9
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 6, 2023
Suffice to say.. wow...https://t.co/JQu6Kq6Dwa
— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray) June 6, 2023
And there you have it.
The @pgatour was about to have their books opened and that’s the last thing they need.
If you can’t beat em join em— John Peterson (@JohnPetersonFW) June 6, 2023
— Karen Howell (@karenehowell) June 6, 2023
Not a year since PGA commisioner Jay Monahan said this. 🤡 pic.twitter.com/6L57rcDrUT
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) June 6, 2023
This is a remarkable change in stance from the PGA Tour, who have essentially joined forces with the Saudi government to oversee the world of professional golf. Far from making those who participated in LIV golf pariahs, this move will see them come under the same umbrella as those who refused the cast fortunes on offer in order to back the traditional tour.
It will be interesting to see how this goes down among those who stuck with the PGA and DP World Tour.
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