Is the PGA TOUR and LIV golf merger still happening? Current situation
Since the announcement of a proposed merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the entire golfing world has been abuzz with speculation, but is it still on?
LIV Golf, founded in 2022, emerged as a formidable competitor to the PGA Tour. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf aimed to revolutionize the sport by offering players larger prizes, greater flexibility, and ambitious plans to attract new fans. The organization’s creation was spearheaded by two golf legends: Phil Mickelson and Greg Norman. While Norman assumed the role of CEO, it was Mickelson who played a pivotal role in bringing LIV Golf into existence.
Mickelson’s discontent with the PGA Tour’s compensation practices fueled LIV’s formation. He accused the PGA Tour of failing to fairly compensate players for elements like highlight clips and media rights, labeling the organization’s approach as “obnoxious greed.” Consequently, Mickelson successfully persuaded 48 players to abandon the PGA Tour in favor of LIV Golf
The PGA Tour immediately viewed LIV Golf as a direct competitor, leading to divisions within the golfing community. Many referred to LIV as a “breakaway league.” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan publicly questioned the presence of Saudi interests in LIV, asking players whether they had ever needed to apologize for being part of the PGA Tour. Lawyers representing the PGA Tour even labeled LIV as “a strategy by the Saudi government to use sports to improve its reputation for human rights abuses and other atrocities.”
What about the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf?
Despite initial hostilities, the two leagues eventually found themselves embroiled in lawsuits against each other. Acrimony and legal battles proved detrimental to the PGA Tour’s business interests. In a calculated move, the PGA Tour endured the blowback of a 180-degree turn and pursued a unified effort with its former rival.
The deal was supposed to be finalized by December 31, but there was a delay, and no further information has been given about when the deal will actually be happening. Commissioner Jay Monahan told players in a memo.
“While we had initially set a deadline of December 31, 2023, to reach an agreement, we are working to extend our negotiations into next year based on the progress we have made to date.”