Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 22
PGA, DP World Tours Strike Asian Tour Deal, Dealing LIV Golf a 2022 Partnership Blow
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 22

PGA, DP World Tours Strike Asian Tour Deal, Dealing LIV Golf a 2022 Partnership Blow

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 22

Summary

  • PGA Tour and DP World Tour on Tuesday unveiled a partnership with the Asian Tour, cutting into LIV Golf’s international foothold just as the league returns from a seven-week break in England.
  • The move undercuts a 2022 LIV-Asian Tour arrangement backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which had used the circuit and its International Series events to extend LIV’s global reach.
  • Jon Rahm added to the uncertainty by declining to say whether he expects to play for LIV in 2027, while saying players are aware of efforts to secure new funding.
  • Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter said LIV officials have been transparent about a still-unfinished '2.0' process, with Poulter saying players have floated investor contacts as the league seeks capital.
  • The setback lands as LIV tries to raise money after PIF decided to stop funding the circuit at the end of the 2026 season, weakening its pitch to potential backers.

Insights

With LIV Golf facing collapse, are its multi-million dollar star players trapped or can they escape back to the PGA Tour?
Was LIV Golf a failed business, or a geopolitical tool that has now served its purpose for Saudi Arabia?