In a ‘historic’ move for the sport of golf, The PGA Tour has agreed to merge with LIV Golf and the DP World Tour, bringing an end to years of disruption in the sport.
It brings an end to two years of disruption and hostility between the two golf organisations – with players previously banned from PGA events by joining LIV, now being invited to reapply for their membership.
The newly-formed golf body underlined that a process for application would be ‘fair and objective’, while also confirming a mutually-agreed end to all pending litigation between the participating parties.
PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan, stated: “After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love.
“This transformational partnership recognises 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.”
LIV Golf is supported by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and since its inception has been entangled in a power struggle with the PGA, which has previously refused to acknowledge its legitimacy and even sanctioned players that have competed in Saudi-backed tournaments.
It follows Brooks Koepka becoming the first LIV Golfer to win a PGA Tour major after he captured the PGA Championship last week.
“Today is a very exciting day for this special game and the people it touches around the world,” said PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
“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.”
The Board of Directors of the new commercial entity will include Al-Rumayyan as Chairman and Monahan as CEO; the new entity’s Board will also include an Executive Committee comprising Al-Rumayyan, Monahan, Herlihy and PGA TOUR Policy Board member Jimmy Dunne.
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, concluded: “This is a momentous day. We are delighted to be able to not only reignite our relationship with PIF, but also to have the opportunity to build on our current Strategic Alliance partnership with the PGA TOUR.
“Together we will be stronger than ever and well positioned to continue to bring the game to all corners of the globe. To partner in this new entity and influence the growth of the game for all our DP World Tour members is energising and exciting.”
