By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, have, in a surprise move, agreed to merge with the breakaway Saudi Arabian backed LIV Golf.
This development comes following a year of unprecedented disruption in the men’s game following the launch of the LIV Golf Tournament in June 2022.
As a result of the merger, all pending litigation between the tours will end.
The BBC Golf Correspondent, Iain Carter, has described this development as “stunning”.
And added:
“The PGA and DP World Tours were sworn enemies of the LIV circuit, which had poached some of their best players. They viewed the breakaway tour as an existential threat and entered into bitter and expensive legal action.”
This takeover of golf by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, controlled by the Saudi Crown Prince, has been described by Human Rights’ Groups, including ‘Amnesty International’, as another example of ‘sports washing’ by Saudi Arabia.
Welcoming this development, the Commissioner of the PGA Tour, Jay Monahan, stated:
“This is a historic day for the game.”
Whilst the Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, Keith Pelley, remarked:
“This is a momentous day – to partner in this new entity is energising and exciting.”
However, the merger has had a mixed reception from several of the players, who are said to be shocked and angry!
LIV Golf, it is reported, is considering a Women’s Tour.
The next event of the LIV second season is due to be held in Valderrama in Spain on 30 June.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘