The so-called ‘golf civil war’ between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf may be over following peace talks involving Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
If you’re unaware of the situation, then let us give you a brief timeline. LIV Golf officially launched in 2021 as a breakaway golf tour created to rival the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
Backed by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf signed many of the world’s best golfers – including Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka – with the lure of significant financial gain.
DeChambeau, for example, signed a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported $125 million, while six-time major winner Mickelson’s contract is said to be worth $200 million.
As a result of its funding, which is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the son of Saudi Arabia’s king, LIV Golf has faced allegations of sportswashing.
Amid the controversy the PGA announced “a landmark agreement to unify the game of golf” last year as plans to merge with LIV Golf were made public, but negotiations have stalled ever since.
However, it appears those backing LIV Gold are ‘poised’ to become part of the PGA Tour circuit, according to The Sun, who claim a £1 billion peace deal is ‘on the brink’ of happening.
The report goes on to suggest that the money will give Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund an 11 per cent share in the Tour, as well two places on the PGA Tour board, including the post of chairman.
It is said the still has to be approved by PGA players but they are expected to agree after Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy played a ‘key role’ in the so-called peace talks.
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In the past, McIlroy has heavily criticised LIV Golf and the Saudi-backed circuit.
Speaking at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, a day after the above agreement announcement was made on June 6, McIlroy said: “I still hate LIV. Like, I hate LIV.
“Like, I hope it goes away. And I would fully expect that it does. And I think that’s where the distinction here is. This is the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and the PIF. Very different from LIV.
“All I’ve tried to do is protect what the PGA Tour is and what the PGA Tour stands for. And I think it will continue to do that. So, look, going forward I hope that there’s, you know, there may be a team element and you’re going to see, maybe me, maybe whoever else play in some sort of team golf.
“But I don’t think it will look anything like LIV has looked and I think that’s a good thing.”
