In a historic move, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have announced a merger that will see the two organizations come together to create a new global golf tour. The merger is backed by the Saudi Arabian government, which has been investing heavily in sports and entertainment in recent years.
The new tour will be called the “Saudi-backed World Golf Tour” and will feature 48 tournaments across the globe, with a total prize fund of $240 million. The tour is set to launch in 2022 and will feature some of the biggest names in golf, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Phil Mickelson.
The merger is seen as a major development in the world of golf, as it brings together two of the most powerful organizations in the sport. The PGA Tour is the leading professional golf tour in North America, while LIV Golf was founded by Greg Norman, one of the greatest golfers of all time.
The Saudi government has been investing heavily in sports and entertainment in recent years as part of its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil. The government has already hosted major sporting events such as the Formula E electric car race and the Dakar Rally, and is set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is seen as a major coup for the Saudi government, which has been looking to establish itself as a major player in the world of golf. The new tour will offer significant prize money and will attract some of the biggest names in the sport, which will help to raise the profile of golf in Saudi Arabia and around the world.
However, the merger has also been met with criticism from some quarters. Human rights groups have raised concerns about the Saudi government’s record on human rights, particularly its treatment of women and its involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
In response to these concerns, the PGA Tour has stated that it will work with the Saudi government to promote “positive social impact” through the new tour. The tour will also feature a women’s division, which will help to promote gender equality in the sport.
Overall, the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is a major development in the world of golf. It brings together two of the most powerful organizations in the sport and offers significant prize money and exposure for players. However, it also raises important questions about the role of sport in politics and the responsibilities of sports organizations to promote human rights and social justice.
