In news that has sent shockwaves throughout the sporting world, the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf have announced they are merging to form "a new collectively owned" entity.
After more than a year of disruption to men's professional game after the arrival of the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, the sensational news promises "to unify the game of golf".
Breaking: The PGA Tour, LIV Golf and the DP World Tour have merged "to unify the game of golf," it was announced Tuesday.
More: https://t.co/PVIW1GKF5Y pic.twitter.com/Eytna4X7xp
— ESPN (@espn) June 6, 2023
In conjunction with the news, the following conditions have also been agreed.
- LIV Golf's 2023 schedule will continue as planned.
- LIV golfers who were suspended indefinitely by the PGA and DP World Tour will be able to re-apply for membership from the end of the 2023 season.
- All lawsuits between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV golf will be ended immediately.
- Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will make a capital investment into the combined entity as part of the agreement "to facilitate its growth and success".
- A "comprehensive evaluation of LIV Golf to determine how best to integrate team golf into the professional game" will take place.
One of the key figures against the rise of LIV golf was PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. As commissioner, he had staunchly ruled out any agreement or unity with the Saudi-backed circuit.
Speaking after today's announcement, he said: "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 organisation that will benefit golf's players, commercial and charitable partners and fans."
One of golf's most iconic figures, Phil Mickelson, has acted as a de-facto spokesperson for the tour in the last year. He simply acknowledged the announcement with the tweet: "Awesome day today".
Awesome day today 😊 https://t.co/qUwVJiydym
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) June 6, 2023
DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley stated that the deal "marks the end of the division in our game and the start of a new chapter in its evolution."
PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan added: "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."
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