PGA Tour, LIV backers drop no-poaching clause from deal

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PGA Tour CEO Ron Price testifies during a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Investigations hearing examining the proposed PGA Tour-LIV Golf partnership on July 11, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Getty Images / AFP)
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PGA Tour CEO Ron Price, left, and PGA Tour board member Jimmy Dunne arrive to testify before a Senate Subcommittee on Investigations hearing on the proposed PGA Tour-LIV Golf partnership on July 11, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo)
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Updated 14 July 2023
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PGA Tour, LIV backers drop no-poaching clause from deal

  • The move comes after the US Department of Justice raised concerns it could violate antitrust law
  • The PGA Tour and DP World Tour on June 7 agreed to a deal with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit to join forces

MIAMI: The PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund have dropped a provision from their framework agreement that barred LIV Golf and the Tour from recruiting each other’s players, the PGA Tour confirmed Thursday.
The move comes after the US Department of Justice raised concerns it could violate antitrust law.
“Based on discussions with staff at the Department of Justice, we chose to remove specific language from the Framework Agreement,” the PGA Tour said in a statement.
“While we believe the language is lawful, we also consider it unnecessary in the spirit of cooperation and because all parties are negotiating in good faith.”
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour stunningly announced on June 7 they had agreed to a deal with the Saudi backers of the LIV Golf circuit that would see the organizations join forces.
The agreement still being finalized follows a bitter two-year civil war that erupted after the launch of LIV Golf, which lured top PGA Tour talent with record $25 million purses and money guarantees.
The deal has sparked scrutiny not only from the Department of Justice but also from US legislators, with the US Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations holding a hearing this week into the controversial tie-up.
The PGA Tour has painted the union as a means of healing the rift in the global game — and avoiding lengthy and costly litigation.
“The Framework Agreement sets the stage for an exciting future for professional golf that re-establishes competition at the highest levels of the sport and creates the biggest stage for everyone — players, sponsors, and fans,” the Tour said in its statement on Thursday.
 

 


International field confirmed for LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond

Updated 24 December 2025
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International field confirmed for LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond

  • The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem

NEW YORK: LIV Golf on Monday announced the preliminary field for the third edition of LIV Golf Promotions, set for Jan. 8–11, 2026, at the acclaimed Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. 

The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem, offering coveted spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League and The International Series, sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

Highlighting the global aspect of the LIV Golf League, leading players from all over the world are eligible to participate, with 87 players representing 24 countries registered to compete. 

This year’s field features a strong blend of emerging global talent and proven professionals, with an average age of 30 years old, including former top-50-ranked players, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup participants, winners on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour, and additional rising stars in the game.

“The evolution of LIV Golf Promotions reflects our continued commitment to creating truly open and competitive pathways for players from all over the world to compete at the sport’s highest levels,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil. 

“We’re seeing world-class talent, from decorated former amateurs to experienced professionals, all seizing the opportunity to compete for their place in the League alongside major champions, Hall of Famers, and rising stars.”

LIV Golf Promotions will consist of four rounds of 18-hole stroke play. Those who finish in the top 20 and ties from the first round will advance to Friday’s second round, where scores will reset, and the field will be joined by a category of players who automatically qualified for day two of competition. The top 20 players and any ties following round two will advance to the third day of competition, with scores reset once more. A 36-hole shootout will commence, and at Sunday’s conclusion, the top two finishers will earn two highly coveted spots in the LIV Golf League for 2026, as well as $200,000 for first place and $150,000 for second place. The top 10 finishers, including ties, will earn full exemption into the 2026 International Series.

The current field features many standout names, including:

• Chris Wood (England): 2016 Ryder Cup player and three-time European Tour winner

• Pablo Ereno (Spain): 2025 Palmer Cup player and former sixth-ranked player in World Amateur Golf Rankings

• Miguel Tabuena (Philippines): Two-time Olympian and third-ranked player in 2025 International Series standings

• Christopher Wood (Australia): Current top-ranked player on the PGA Tour of Australasia

• Yuxin Lin (China): Two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion

• Alex Levy (France): Five-time DP World Tour winner.

LIV Golf League players without a 2026 team commitment who finished the season in the Open Zone (25th-48th), as well as relegated players (49th-54th), also have an opportunity to secure their playing rights for the 2026 season.

Several returning LIV Golf players are entered in the field, including Ben Campbell, who competed with RangeGoats GC and finished the season ranked 36th in the LIV Golf standings; Matt Jones, formerly of Ripper GC, who concluded the year in 40th place; and Anthony Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner and former world No. 6 who was a member of the victorious 2008 US Ryder Cup team, finishing the season ranked 55th.

For more information, including the list of eligibility criteria, visit LIVGolf.com.