World

PGA Tour Eyes Events Aimed at Thwarting Saudi-Backed League

The PGA Tour is reportedly creating a series of international tournaments.
The events are an effort to spoil plans of a proposed Saudi-backed rival league.

Nov 15, 2021 | 06:33 am

UPDATED Nov 15, 2021 | 06:46 am

Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

The PGA Tour is reportedly creating a series of international tournaments that offer guaranteed money in an effort to push back against a proposed Saudi-backed rival league.

Last month, LIV Golf Investments — a firm owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund — announced a $200 million investment in a 10-year partnership with the Asian Tour and named Greg Norman its CEO.

Like the Asian Tour, the PGA Tour’s new tournaments would take place across several countries.

The plan is to host four to six events in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Competitions would run in conjunction with existing PGA Tour events.
The fields are expected to be limited to 50 or 60 competitors, with potential teams.

In May, a Saudi-backed group of investors attempted to lure top golfers with eight-figure bonuses to a breakaway tour of 15-to-18 cities. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan threatened an immediate ban and lifetime suspension for players who joined the league.

The new international tournaments that the PGA Tour appears to be developing would begin play in either 2023 or 2024.

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