Tuesday’s shock information that the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and the LIV Golf tour have referred to as an finish to authorized hostilities and introduced a merger has shortly despatched shock via {the golfing} world and past.
Having been bitter rivals for the reason that Saudi-backed breakaway tour kicked into life, with enormous charges on supply and luring away a few of the PGA Tour’s largest stars, few anticipated such a dramatic flip of occasions at this level.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan lauded the “transformational partnership” in a press release to gamers.
Monahan shall be a CEO and Yasir Al-Rumayyan will turn out to be the chairman of a newly-merged, for-profit entity.
Golf has been dealing with an earthquake of modified outlooks over the previous two years or so and now it seems set for much more – right here’s all the things we all know up to now.
When does the merger begin and what occurs to the present excursions?
It seems that the brand new mixed firm might be operational for the beginning of subsequent yr, although no definitive date has been set but.
There’s additionally no absolute readability over whether or not there shall be partial integration of excursions or all of them working individually beneath the identical holding firm.
Updates will comply with when this turns into clearer, however the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV will all retain management of their very own guidelines and “inside the ropes responsibilities”, suggesting three excursions stay distinct and intact.
What will the prize cash be?
Yet to be introduced – however it’s appears unlikely to be something smaller than was already on supply throughout the PGA and LIV Tours. Again, it doubtless will rely on the construction and whether or not the excursions are solely separate. The launch from LIV’s facet famous the Saudi Arabian state’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are to speculate “billions” within the new for-profit firm which would be the results of the merger. There isn’t any title for the brand new firm as but.
Which codecs shall be performed?
This is an unknown, however the “team golf concept” was referenced within the assertion, so maybe sure occasions will maintain this as a main focus, or else if the LIV and PGA Tours stay separate entities, they’ll keep as they’re with groups a function of the Saudi-started circuit.
Can banned gamers rejoin excursions?
In quick, the reply seems to be “yes” – however it’s not but confirmed how, or what they’ll have to do. The joint assertion from the three excursions mentioned they’d “work cooperatively […] 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”, so whereas they may accomplish that in time, it received’t be instant. Players appear set to see out the present yr precisely the place they’re.
What occurs with the Ryder Cup?
Another query but to be answered though if gamers can reapply for excursions, it’s doubtless they’ll even be reconsidered for choice in the event that they weren’t already.
Who will truly run golf?!
The PGA Tour are to carry a majority share on the brand new board, however it is going to be PIF to completely fund it – and the brand new firm shall be a for-profit one. So it stays to be seen, and as a lot as there was speak over enhancing the game for everybody, on the subject of enterprise, inevitably cash talks.
What comes subsequent?
Jay Monahan is because of journey to Toronto and maintain a players-only assembly in RBC Canadian Open at 9pm BST.
