PGA Tour, LIV Golf merger births global golf enterprise

Creating global golf dominance, rival leagues PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf have agreed to merge. The proposed deal will also include the DP World Tour, also known as the PGA European Tour.

The surprising merger aims to end the ongoing legal battles between PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The new for-profit company will enhance competition among top golf players while maintaining the PGA’s nonprofit status.

The current PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan will become the CEO of the new global golf enterprise.

As for the golf players
The agreement allows LIV players to join the PGA for the 2024 season. More details of the deal will come to light once the PGA Tour policy board approves it.

Controversy
The nonprofit 9/11 Families United strongly criticized the PGA for co-opting the 9/11 community, following the announcement of the deal. 

Controversy surrounds LIV Golf’s association with Saudi-backed investments and accusations of “sports washing.”

But former President Donald Trump, who avidly hosts LIV Golf events, praised the merger on Truth Social, calling it a “big, beautiful, and glamorous deal for the wonderful world of golf.”

Saudi Arabia’s diversifying portfolio
Saudi Arabia is the exclusive investor in the new company and has reportedly spent nearly $3 billion on the merger.

As the high prices in early 2022 flattened the country’s funds, Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming aware that relying solely on oil income is not a smart move.