The PGA Tour introduced a shock merger with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit on Tuesday, rocking {the golfing} world with a bombshell deal geared toward ending the game’s bitter two-year civil battle.
In a shocking settlement that took the game fully without warning, the US-based PGA Tour and Europe’s DP World Tour mentioned they’d signed an settlement with LIV’s Saudi backers that may result in the formation of “a new collectively owned, for-profit entity.”
“After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love,” mentioned PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
LIV Golf was launched in October 2021 and lured high PGA Tour expertise with document $25 million purses and cash ensures, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Critics mentioned LIV was conceived by the dominion as a “sportswashing” train designed to enhance Saudi Arabia’s worldwide picture, battered after the 2018 homicide of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The PGA Tour responded by banning LIV gamers whereas the DP World Tour has handed out heavy fines to its gamers.
The rift had led to a collection of lawsuits and brought on acrimony between gamers resembling main winners Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, who signed profitable offers with LIV, and people resembling Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, who remained loyal to the PGA Tour.
Tuesday’s deal ends all litigation between the feuding events, though many different particulars of the landmark deal stay to be disclosed.
‘Hypocrisy, greed’
The merger was given swift backing by six-time main winner Mickelson, essentially the most distinguished of the defectors to the LIV Tour.
“Awesome day today,” tweeted Mickelson above a hyperlink to a news story on the merger.
But PGA Tour gamers have been caught chilly by the announcement, earlier than later accusing Monahan of “hypocrisy” for becoming a member of forces with LIV after spending a lot of the previous yr urging gamers to withstand the riches on provide.
US media reported that Monahan was confronted by livid gamers at a gathering in Toronto on Tuesday forward of this week’s Canadian Open.
“I recognize that people are going to call me a hypocrite,” Monahan mentioned afterward a convention name, however added that “circumstances do change.”
In Washington, a gaggle representing the households of victims of the September 11, 2001 assaults additionally accused Monahan and the PGA Tour of “hypocrisy and greed.”
“Our entire 9/11 community has been betrayed by Commissioner Monahan and the PGA as it appears their concern for our loved ones was merely window-dressing in their quest for money,” mentioned Terry Strada, chair of 9/11 Families United, whose husband Tom died within the assaults. Fifteen of the 19 9/11 hijackers have been Saudi residents.
The title of the brand new merged entity and the exact construction of the excursions has but to be introduced, however the PGA Tour mentioned that the events had agreed 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”.
The Board of Directors of the brand new industrial entity may have the Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan as chairman and Monahan as Chief Executive Officer.
Divisive Norman absent
There was noticeably no point out of LIV chief government Greg Norman within the statements. Norman’s combative method to the battle had seen him just lately snubbed by Augusta National who didn’t provide him an invitation to April’s Masters match.
In November, McIlroy, who was essentially the most distinguished backer of the PGA Tour amongst the gamers, mentioned that Norman was an impediment to any deal between the 2 events.
“I think Greg needs to go. I think he just needs to exit stage left,” mentioned the Northern Irishman. “No one is going to talk unless there’s an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences.”
It was unclear if the announcement would affect LIV’s present season. The tour’s subsequent occasion is on June 30 at Valderrama in Spain. The PGA Tour assertion mentioned that the crew aspect, launched by LIV, can be a part of the longer term plans.
“Today is a very exciting day for this special game and the people it touches around the world,” mentioned Al-Rumayyan.
“We believe there are opportunities for the game to evolve while also maintaining its storied history and tradition. This partnership represents the best opportunity to extend and increase the impact of golf for all.”
The announcement comes as Saudi soccer golf equipment are poised to make a collection of main investments, backed by PIF, to signal big-name gamers.
On Tuesday, Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema signed for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad for 3 years beginning subsequent season, the Jeddah-based membership confirmed.
Benzema will be a part of his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo within the Gulf kingdom.