The PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit have agreed to a landmark merger that will create one operation aimed to “unify the game of golf” — which has drawn mixed reactions from professional golfers and fans.
LIV Golf was founded by former pro golfer Greg Norman to challenge the PGA Tour, and is funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. These were controversial moves, as many golfers were criticized for joining LIV Golf due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. According to the U.S. Department of State, Saudia Arabia has been accused in recent years of multiple human rights violations, including: unlawful killings; executions for nonviolent offenses; forced disappearances; torture and cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners and detainees by government agents, among other offenses.
“GREAT NEWS FROM LIV GOLF. A BIG, BEAUTIFUL, AND GLAMOROUS DEAL FOR THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF GOLF. CONGRATS TO ALL!!!” he wrote in all caps on Truth Social. As part of the merger, both sides are dropping lawsuits against each other effective immediately. In addition, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will make a major financial investment in the new-look entity, and will also be a corporate sponsor for events.