The PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf are merging their operations into a single commercial entity, according to an announcement from the former. Saudi Arabia’s PIF is partnering with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour on the move.
The newly formed business — name to be determined — will be collectively owned and for-profit, and will focus on team golf and growing the game globally.
The merger allows an “end to all pending litigation between the participating parties” and opens the door for LIV players to reapply to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour following the end of the 2023 season.
Sources told Front Office Sports that all three tours are expected to finish their current seasons under the status quo.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said the goal was to “create an organization that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners, and fans.”
“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,” PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said.
Al-Rumayyan will be the new entity’s chairman of the board of directors, while Monahan will be CEO and also sit on the board. LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman was not mentioned in the release.
Golf journalist Dan Rapaport says that several PGA Tour players were “shocked … confused” and “disgusted” at the absence of communication from Tour brass regarding plans. Meanwhile, LIV’s Phil Mickelson and 2023 PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka took to social media to laud the move.
