The PGA Tour and LIV Golf shocked the golfing world Tuesday morning by announcing a proposed merger. The tentative agreement will settle the many lawsuits between the two professional golf circuits.
LIV Golf flustered the professional golf world when it formed in 2021 and lured many PGA Tour superstars with extravagant signing bonuses that were said to be in excess of $100 million for top players such as five-time major champion Brooks Koepka. Funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf garnered much criticism for being the Saudi monarchy’s alleged attempt to improve its public image through so-called “sportswashing.”
The PGA Tour, which for decades has been the world’s preeminent professional golf tour, rescinded cards for golfers who participated in LIV Golf events and barred them from competing in PGA Tour-sanctioned events. But as of this morning, the two tours are set to align.
LIV Golf flustered the professional golf world when it formed in 2021 and lured many PGA Tour superstars with extravagant signing bonuses that were said to be in excess of $100 million for top players such as five-time major champion Brooks Koepka. Funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf garnered much criticism for being the Saudi monarchy’s alleged attempt to improve its public image through so-called “sportswashing.”
The PGA Tour, which for decades has been the world’s preeminent professional golf tour, rescinded cards for golfers who participated in LIV Golf events and barred them from competing in PGA Tour-sanctioned events. But as of this morning, the two tours are set to align.