Shock Golf Merger Sees Rival Tours Join Forces
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have agreed a merger with Saudi Arabian-backed circuit LIV Golf in a deal that ends the huge division within golf.
The announcement, which surprised the world of sport, follows a bitter dispute between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf following its creation last June.
It means the pending litigation between the tours will now be stopped and they will move forward as the same for-profit entity.
The controversy surrounding the deal centres on LIV Golf’s Saudi backing. The breakaway league is funded by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, an entity controlled by the Saudi crown prince that also own Premier League club Newcastle United.
Critics have regarded the PIF’s involvement with LIV as sportswashing for a country with a questionable human rights record. Some have claimed that under terms of the new structure, Saudi Arabia has effectively bought men’s professional golf.
Tuesday’s joint statement from all three organisations said, “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.”
Governor of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), Yasir Al-Rumayyan, will become Chairman of the new entity.
Jay Monahan, commissioner of the PGA Tour who has been strongly against the Saudi-backed series, will now become Chief Executive Officer of the combined tour and called it, “a historic day for the game.”
The sudden emergence of LIV Golf disrupted men’s golf with many of the top players being poached by the new series for tens of millions.
Top players such as Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau had been ostracised by the traditional tours for their involvement with LIV Golf, but this is set to change.
The statement continued, “The three organisations will work cooperatively and in good faith to establish a fair and objective process for any players who desire to reapply 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 readmission, consistent with each tour’s policies.”
It is thought that those who had left the PGA Tour would not be able to compete in the upcoming Ryder Cup taking place between 29th September and 1st October. Those involved include – Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter.
However, the recent merger is re-opening the door despite the need for them to register membership once more, after resigning for the DP World Tour.
Keith Pelley, the DP World Tour’s Chief Executive Officer, added, “I think it’s an unbelievable, momentous day. It’s an exciting time for global golf and the men’s professional game. I am just thrilled with the announcement and what it means for the DP World Tour members going forward.”
Players had not been consulted prior to the announcement and were equally as surprised as fans and media to hear of the merger.
Two-time major winner Collin Morikowa and fellow American Wesley Bryan said they, “love finding out on Twitter.”
Bryan, added, “This is amazing. Y’all should be ashamed and have a lot of questions to answer. I feel betrayed, and will not not be able to trust anyone within the corporate structure of the PGA Tour for a very long time.”
American Michael Kim, expressed, “The hell is going on? Very curious how many people knew this deal was happening. About 5-7 people? Player run organisation right?”
Monahan has recognised the significant potential for team golf, the format that LIV Golf currently adopts, and has noted the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket.
Furthermore, with peace now declared, it allows interchangeability between circuits and more substantial TV deals. It is also beneficial to each side that legal proceedings against one another have ceased.
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, two of the most high-profile critics of LIV, are set to speak out on the merger at 15:00 BST today ahead of the Canadian Open, part of the PGA Tour.
