PGA tour and LIV Golf agree to merge and end all litigation
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The PGA and DP World tours have announced a shocked merger with LIV Golf to end two years of being at war with the newest golf tour.
Saudi Arabia backed LIV have put lots of noses out of place in the past couple of years leading to legal action from the two previously established tours.
However it is now set to end amicably with the announcement that the three tours would be merging into one new for profit company.
The PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and PIF announce landmark agreement to unify men’s professional golf.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 6, 2023
Previously those who had defected from the other two tours to LIV had found themselves banned from playing in certain tournaments, though not the majors.
There will now be 'a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour.'
The statement read: "The PGA Tour DP World Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) today announced a landmark agreement to unify the game of golf, on a global basis. The parties have signed an agreement that combines PIF’s golf-related commercial businesses and rights (including LIV Golf) with the commercial businesses and rights of the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour into a new, collectively owned, for-profit entity to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from a model that delivers maximum excitement and competition among the game’s best players.
"In addition, PIF will make a capital investment into the new entity to facilitate its growth and success. The new entity (name TBD) will implement a plan to grow these combined commercial businesses, drive greater fan engagement and accelerate growth initiatives already underway.
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"With LIV Golf in the midst of its second, groundbreaking season, the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and PIF will work together to best feature and grow team golf going forward.
"Notably, today’s announcement will be followed by a mutually agreed end to all pending litigation between the participating parties.
"Further, the three organizations will work cooperatively and in good faith to establish a fair and objective process for any players who desire to re-apply for membership with the PGA TOUR or the DP World Tour following the completion of the 2023 season and for determining fair criteria and terms of re-admission, consistent with each Tour’s policies."
The return of the LIV players to the other two tours will make it interesting for the Ryder Cup later in the year, which the players had previously been expected to be banned from.
Only last month the DP World Tour, previously the European tour fined a group of players between £12,500 to £100,000 for playing tournaments for LIV whilst still under contract with them.
Ian Poulter, Adrian Otaegui and Justin Harding had appealed against their fines but they were upheld just three days ago.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Golf, Ryder Cup, Saudi Arabia
