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.
 

 


LIV Golf Hong Kong dates announced as event leadership reaffirms commitment to the region

Updated 03 March 2026
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LIV Golf Hong Kong dates announced as event leadership reaffirms commitment to the region

  • Fourth edition to take place Feb. 18-21, 2027, at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling
  • Scott O’Neil: Hong Kong is a cornerstone of our international calendar and an important gateway for golf’s continued growth in Asia

HONG KONG: LIV Golf today announced the dates for HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2027, which will return for its fourth edition from Feb. 18-21, continuing its long-term commitment to the region and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as one of Asia’s premier destinations for global sport and entertainment.

The announcement was made during a press conference at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling by Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO; Andrea de Vincentiis, HSBC managing director and global head of brand partnerships; and Andy Kwok, Hong Kong Golf Club captain.

The 2027 dates align the tournament within Hong Kong’s vibrant calendar of major international events and reinforce a sustained multi-year partnership between LIV Golf, HSBC, the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong Golf Club.

HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong will continue to be an “M” Mark event in 2027, helping promote Hong Kong as a center for international sports events. The “M” Mark status, awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolizes signature events in the territory’s sports calendar.

Ticket holders for this week’s event, which takes place Thursday, March 5, through Sunday, March 8, will have exclusive early access to specially priced 2027 tickets beginning this Sunday at LIVGolf.com. Organizers thanked the Hong Kong Tourism Board for the continued event support, including planning and promotion.

O’Neil said: “Hong Kong is a cornerstone of our international calendar and an important gateway for golf’s continued growth in Asia. As the world’s golf league, LIV Golf is committed to investing in dynamic markets like Hong Kong, where sport, entertainment and culture are celebrated and recognized on a global scale.

“Announcing our 2027 event a year in advance is a testament to the local support and momentum building in Hong Kong. I want to thank our partners at HSBC, the HKSAR Government, and Hong Kong Golf Club, who all share in our vision to grow the game and continue delivering a world-class event that connects with fans of all ages and brings significant economic impact to the region.”

De Vincentiis said: “HSBC has supported golf globally for more than 20 years, and our partnership with LIV Golf represents a natural evolution of that legacy. It reflects both our international network and our long-standing commitment to Hong Kong.

“HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong showcases the city to a global audience while contributing to the growth of the game across Asia. We are proud to continue our support to an event that aligns with our ambitions internationally and within this great community.”

Kwok said: “Established in 1889, Hong Kong Golf Club has a proud history of hosting world-class tournaments. We understand the responsibility that comes with staging global competition at this level.

“LIV Golf has brought new energy and new audiences to Fanling, while respecting the traditions of the game. We are proud to continue welcoming the league and its players to one of Asia’s most historic venues.”

Since its debut in Hong Kong in 2024, the tournament has produced memorable moments and showcased elite competition at one of Asia’s most respected championship venues.

Across its 14-event global schedule, LIV Golf events have generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for host cities worldwide, supporting tourism, hospitality and local communities while delivering international broadcast reach of over 900 million.

The 2026 edition takes place this week at Hong Kong Golf Club, featuring a 57-player international field competing across four days.