From Rivals to Partners... PGA Tour and LIV Golf Announce Surprise Merger

'LIV Golf Supported by Saudi Arabia Reaches Settlement After 1 Year of Sportswashing Controversy
Players Who Moved to LIV Golf Expected to Return to PGA'

LIV Golf, sponsored by the U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced a merger on the 6th (local time). Despite facing criticism for so-called 'sports washing' of Saudi Arabia's human rights issues, LIV Golf's merger announcement just one year after its launch has sent shockwaves worldwide.

According to Bloomberg and other sources, the PGA Tour, PIF, and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) issued a joint statement on the same day, announcing "a groundbreaking agreement to unify the sport of golf globally." The three organizations stated, "We have agreed to transfer PIF's golf-related commercial rights, including LIV Golf, combined with the commercial rights of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, to a new jointly owned for-profit entity," adding, "The new entity will provide competition among the world's top players."

Jay Monahan PGA Tour Commissioner
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Thus, LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, which had been bitter rivals, have become partners. LIV Golf, which held its first tournament in June last year, had conflicts with the PGA Tour before and after its launch. As LIV Golf attracted major players from the PGA Tour, the PGA Tour banned players who moved to LIV from participating in its tournaments. Additionally, players who transferred to LIV Golf were barred from major men's golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.

In fact, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods (USA), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), and others had previously labeled players who moved to LIV as 'traitors' or 'demons,' intensifying the confrontation.

However, with this agreement, the three organizations stated, "After the conclusion of the 2023 season, we will cooperate to provide an objective and fair process for players wishing to reapply for membership in the PGA Tour or DP World Tour," opening the possibility for players who left for LIV to return.

Furthermore, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have agreed to withdraw all ongoing lawsuits. The three organizations explained, "PIF plans to invest capital to promote the growth and success of the new entity," adding, "The new entity, whose name has not yet been decided, will grow the business and engage more fans."

Bloomberg assessed, "This agreement signifies a victory for Saudi Arabia, which supported LIV Golf through PIF," and stated, "Saudi Arabia can now leverage oil to increase its global influence and have a significant voice in major sports sectors."