THE PGA Tour and LIV Golf have agreed to merge together after a year of bitter feuding.
The shock announcement comes after heavy disruption in the men’s professional game following the launch of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.
ReutersThe PGA Tour and LIV Golf have agreed to merge together[/caption]
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan 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.”
LIV Golf prised over the likes of Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson with mega-money playing fees on offer.
But Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods were among those to pledge their loyalty to the PGA.
PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan added: “Today is a very exciting day for this special game and the people it touches around the world.
“We are proud to partner with the PGA TOUR to leverage PIF’s unparalleled success and track record of unlocking value and bringing innovation and global best practices to business and sectors worldwide.
“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.”
Mickelson tweeted: “Awesome day today.”
According to golf writer Dan Rapaport, the PGA Tour did communicate the news to players – who found out online.
And Collin Morikawa tweeted: “I love finding out morning news on Twitter.”
APPhil Mickelson during the PGA Championship golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club[/caption]
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