Mickelson makes his emotions on PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger instantly clear
American golfer Phil Mickelson is delighted that the PGA Tour has agreed to merge with LIV Golf. The two rival excursions have signed an settlement that follows an ongoing fued and litigation battle.
The deal, which has been signed by each events, will see each excursions mix their business companies and rights into a brand new, yet-to-be-named for-profit firm.
Mickelson, 52, has 45 PGA Tour wins to his identify however determined to hitch the controversial Saudi-backed tour in 2022. Never one to draw back from controversy and voicing his opinion, the golfer responded to the news on social media.
Moments after the story broke, the 52-year-old reacted in true style. Mickelson tweeted: ‘Awesome day in the present day [sic]’.
An official announcement learn: “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 funding into the brand new entity to facilitate its development and success. The new entity (identify TBD) will implement a plan to develop these mixed business companies, drive larger fan engagement and speed up development initiatives already underway. With LIV Golf within the midst of its second, groundbreaking season, the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and PIF will work collectively to greatest function and develop workforce golf going ahead.
“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.”
Both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are within the midst of a authorized battle. Backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, LIV is managed by the Saudi crown prince and is present process an antitrust lawsuit. The news of a merger would imply all pending litigation will finish.
Mickelson has been very vocal about his determination to hitch LIV Golf since his determination to hitch the tour final 12 months. The world-renowned golfer not too long ago tweeted: “Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors. Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations. 14 LIV events, 34 weeks left open to prepare for the 4 majors. Fact.”
One golfer who has actively spoken out in opposition to the LIV Golf Tour is four-time main champion Rory McIlroy. However, again in March the 34-year-old remkarked that the match has benefitted the PGA Tour.
As reported by Sky Sports, McIlroy mentioned: “I’m not going to sit here and lie; I think the emergence of LIV or the emergence of a competitor to the PGA Tour has benefited everyone that plays elite professional golf.
“I feel while you’ve been the most important golf league within the largest market on the planet for the final 60 years, there’s not plenty of incentive to innovate.
“This has caused a ton of innovation at the PGA Tour and what was quite, I would say, an antiquated system is being revamped to try to mirror where we’re at in the world in the 21st century with the media landscape.”