PGA golf tour announces radical shake up as it teams up with Saudi rival
An image from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club, Virginia Water in 2021
PA
The PGA Tour will merge with its Saudi-supported rival LIV Golf, the competitors-turned-partners have revealed.
The deal looks set to end pending litigation action as the pair move forward as a larger golfing enterprise.
It is not yet known what the for-profit company will be known as but it will combine the PGA Tour and LIV Golf's commercial businesses and rights.
The agreement includes DP World Tour, also known as the European PGA Tour.
PGA signage at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin
PA
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a joint statement: "After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love."
LIV Golf is backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
The entity is controlled by the Crown Prince in Riyadh.
It previously found itself facing several anti-trust lawsuits with the PGA Tour.
The deal will likely see the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund pump billions in new capital into the project.
Ian Poulter during day two of the LIV Golf Invitational Series at the Centurion Club, Hertfordshire
PA
The three groups involved will also establish a "fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour" once the 2023 season comes to a close.
The announcement comes after Florida-born golfer Brooks Koepka, who plays in the LIV Golf League, won the 2023 PGA Championship.
In the joint statement, Monahan added: "This transformational partnership recognizes the immeasurable strength of the PGA TOUR’s history, legacy and pro-competitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV – including the team golf concept – to create an organization that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners and fans.
"Going forward, fans can be confident that we will, collectively, deliver on the promise we’ve always made – to promote competition of the best in professional golf and that we are committed to securing and driving the game’s future.
“We are pleased to move forward, in step with LIV and PIF’s world-class investing experience, and I applaud PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan for his vision and collaborative and forward-thinking approach that is not just a solution to the rift in our game, but also a commitment to taking it to new heights.
"This will engender a new era in global golf, for the better.”
Brooks Koepka reacts during a press conference before the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral
Reuters
PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan also said: “Today is a very exciting day for this special game and the people it touches around the world.
“We are proud to partner with the PGA TOUR to leverage PIF’s unparalleled success and track record of unlocking value and bringing innovation and global best practices to business and sectors worldwide.
"We are committed to unifying, promoting and growing the game of golf around the world and offering the highest-quality product to the many millions of long-time fans globally, while cultivating new fans.
“There is no question that the LIV model has been positively transformative for golf.
"We believe there are opportunities for the game to evolve while also maintaining its storied history and tradition.
"This partnership represents the best opportunity to extend and increase the impact of golf for all.
"We look forward to collaborating with Jay and Keith to bring the best version of the game to communities around the world."
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