The PGA TOUR alongside the DP World Tour have reached an agreement to merge with LIV Golf, the rival circuit supported by Saudi Arabian backing in a landmark deal that marks the end of the division within the sport.
Following the launch of LIV Golf, the professional men’s game has experienced a year of disruption with various high-profile golfers persuaded to switch to the circuit back by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF). This has led to back-and-forths between players on the PGA TOUR and those partnered with LIV Golf.
The pending litigation between the tours will be suspended, allowing them to progress as a unified and expanded entity.
A statement released on the PGA TOUR site states: “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 organizations 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.”
“historic day for the game”
“This is a historic day for the game we all know and love,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said.
“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.
“This is a momentous day – to partner in this new entity is energizing and exciting,” said DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley.