RIYADH: The world of golf was stunned on Tuesday when the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Circuit, combatants in a fight that has split the sport, agreed to merge into a unified commercial entity.
The former bitter rivals will work together for LIV Golf players to reapply for membership on the other two tours after the 2023 season.
“After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said.
The LIV Golf series is financed by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which will invest in the new entity to drive its growth and success.
“Today is a very exciting day for this special game and the people it touches around the world,” PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said.
The LIV Golf circuit, which features 54-hole events with no cuts instead of the traditional 72 holes, launched in 2022 and lured big-name players away from the established circuits with massive prize money.
Al-Rumayyan, who will chair the new entity’s board of directors, said he had meetings in London to thrash out the deal with Monahan, who will be chief executive.
“We had a lunch followed by the next day a round of golf and then another lunch. We had discussions and we covered everything,” he said.
Monahan said: “I give Yasir great credit for coming to the table, coming to discussions with an open heart and an open mind. We did the same and the game of golf is better for what we’ve done here today.”
Among those celebrating was former US President Donald Trump, who owns three courses on the LIV Golfcircuit. “A big, beautiful, and glamorous deal for the wonderful world of golf. Congrats to all,” he said.
