PGA and LIV Golf were locked in a battle for players, tournaments, and control over golf courses, resulting in legal disputes. This posed a dilemma for top golfers, who had to choose between the autocratic setup of the PGA Tour or joining a league funded by a regime with a questionable human rights record and no sporting tradition. Many feared that radical changes would transform the game beyond recognition. LIV Golf’s inaugural season was made possible with the support of former US President Donald Trump, who allowed the breakaway league to use his family-owned courses. It seems that Riyadh’s PIF now has control over the future of golf following a reported investment of $3 billion into the merged entity. The question now arises, who truly controls the sport of golf?
Previously, the PGA Tour, based in the US, held the power as the leading authority in golf, overseeing player affairs and administration. Its influence stemmed from attracting the best players and managing golf’s four Majors, equivalent to tennis’ Grand Slams. Although there are other golf organizing bodies, such as the European Tour (DP World Tour), Asian Tour, and Ladies PGA, none have the same level of fan following or financial rewards as the men’s PGA Tour. However, the PGA Tour’s dominance was challenged.
From a player’s perspective, the PGA Tour fell short in terms of prize money distribution. The majority of professional golfers did not receive a minimum participating fee for qualifying tournaments, leading to financial losses for many. This discrepancy felt unfair compared to other professional sports. Nevertheless, the PGA Tour had a transparent qualifying system, allowing players to earn PGA Tour status through feeder leagues and tournaments.
LIV Golf, on the other hand, disrupted many structural elements of professional golf. The league offered significantly higher prize money and guaranteed every player a minimum payout per event. It introduced a team format where each shot mattered for every player, regardless of their individual standing. LIV Golf’s tournaments were played over 54 holes with a shotgun start, deviating from the PGA’s standard 72 holes. These changes attracted top-ranked PGA Tour players like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka, who signed multimillion-dollar contracts with LIV Golf. Culturally, LIV Golf embraced a more relaxed approach, allowing players to wear shorts and spectators to cheer during shots, contrary to the PGA Tour’s strict protocol of silence. LIV Golf aimed to give the ancient game a modern, vibrant twist, marketing itself as “golf, but louder.”
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund launched LIV Golf as part of its mission to diversify its economy beyond fossil fuels and increase its influence in Western spheres, including sports. The Saudi fund saw an opportunity to disrupt one of the oldest sports globally due to the strained relationship between some pro golfers and the PGA Tour. However, Saudi Arabia’s tarnished human rights record and the sportswashing trend among oil-rich Middle Eastern nations have raised concerns about the involvement of the kingdom in influential sports. The merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has attracted scrutiny, leading to calls for more transparency and information on the deal.
Former US President Donald Trump played a significant role in the early stages of LIV Golf. Initially, the league’s tournaments were only broadcast on YouTube, and many top golf courses in the US aligned themselves with the PGA Tour. However, Trump’s family-owned courses provided a venue for LIV Golf events, attracting media attention and top players. Trump’s support for LIV Golf may result in his courses hosting major tournaments, bringing in revenue from club memberships and playing fees.
While the merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has taken place, it remains to be seen how LIV Golf’s philosophy will shape the future of golf under the new entity. Some view the deal as distasteful due to Saudi Arabia’s involvement, while others believe it could bring positive changes to the sport. Former PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stepping down indefinitely for medical reasons and PIF’s Yasir al-Rumayyan becoming the chief of the merged entity has raised further questions. American senator Dick Blumenthal has invited Rumayyan and Monahan to testify before a subcommittee to shed light on the merger’s implications.
From Trump’s perspective, the merger presents an opportunity to host major tournaments at his courses, which was not possible under the previous PGA regime. Trump’s ties with Saudi Arabia have raised concerns in the past, but his proximity to al-Rumayyan and the Saudi royal family could now benefit his golf courses. Trump has expressed excitement about the merger and its potential impact on Saudi Arabia’s golf scene.
In conclusion, the merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has sparked debates and uncertainties about the future of golf. The involvement of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and its human rights record has raised concerns among critics. However, the merger also presents opportunities for change and growth in the sport. Only time will tell how LIV Golf’s philosophy will shape the PGA Tour and the game of golf.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
