In a HUGE development for the world of golf, the PGA Tour has reached an agreement to merge with its Saudi-backed rival, LIV Golf.
Under the agreement, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will combine their businesses and rights, along with the DP World Tour (also known as the European PGA Tour), into a new for-profit company. LIV Golf, supported by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, has been involved in antitrust lawsuits with the PGA Tour. However, with this merger, all pending lawsuits will be resolved.
The Public Investment Fund has expressed its willingness to invest significant capital into the new entity, although specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The merger requires approval from the PGA Tour policy board, according to a memo from Commissioner Jay Monahan.
Monahan emphasized that the global growth of golf played a crucial role in the decision to merge, and despite past tensions, he believes that the game of golf will benefit from the agreement.
LIV Golf faced criticism and controversy in the United States due to its Saudi Arabian backing, with accusations of “sportswashing” and concerns about human rights violations. Nevertheless, the league managed to secure a broadcasting deal with the CW Network in the U.S. earlier this year, expanding its visibility.
I woke up to the news this morning and I actually thought I was being pranked. After the last year of talking sh*t and all the bad blood between Phil and every white dad in America, this is how it comes to an end? The real loser in this is all the PGA Tour guys who stayed and here is why; they stuck up for the PGA and turned down MILLIONS of dollars just for the PGA to completely 180 and get in bed with the Saudis.
The winner is every single guy who jumped to LIV, got stupid rich, still played in the Majors, and then now is able to play on the Tour again. Especially Brooks, who did the exact thing and never even really cared about playing in normal events, just the Majors.
There is no part of me that cares about where the money comes from in any way shape or form. If you go down the rabbit hole of any company, there is probably some unethical way they have made money. I am currently typing this blog on my MacBook while wearing Nike shorts, both made in sweatshops. Once you realize this whole world is messed up, the happier you will be.
I am excited to watch normal golf again starting next year with guys who are actually supposed to be on my TV, not weird amateurs because everyone good jumped ship to LIV. The LIV really pulled the “Michael Scott Paper Company” move.
