SerpApi.Org
LIV Golf has taken another gut punch as they desperately seek funding to survive, this time in the form of the Asian Tour.
On Tuesday, the Asian Tour, DP World Tour and PGA Tour announced a multi-year partnership through at least 2029.
LIV Golf previously had a relationship with the Asian Tour dating back to before its 2022 launch.
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They invested $300 million into the Asian Tour to create the “International Series” with tournaments featuring winnings of up to $2 million.
As a part of the existing Strategic Alliance, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour will help provide commercial and playing opportunities for the Asian Tour.
It will also provide direct pathways for the best Asian Tour players to make the jump to the DP World Tour, with the top players getting access to Europe’s second-tier Challenge Tour as well.
“The agreement represents another example of the PGA TOUR taking a proactive approach to shaping the future of professional golf and the continued evolution of its Strategic Alliance,” the PGA wrote in a news release.
While the PGA continues to move the sport forward, the agreement also is more evidence of LIV falling behind.
This latest body blow comes as LIV Golf, which features stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, is barely treading water after the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia announced it will no longer fund the league after the 2026 season.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has been trying to find new investors into the golf tour to keep the league running.
“We feel the time is now right to collaborate with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour to enhance the Asian Tour for our members, fans and partners,” Cho Minn Thant, commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said.
“Bringing the three tours together under one partnership will increase the bandwidth of the professional game in Asia.
“Not only will co-sanctioning events see our members competing regularly on the global stage, but we are excited to welcome players from the other tours to our pinnacle events.”
Rory McIlroy reacted to the new alliance on X, saying it’s “great to see the respective tours working together for the good of international golf.”
The announcement also comes one day after Canadian-based Mobii Systems Group sued LIV Golf, alleging the tour has not paid the $925,100 in fee to the company for the league’s “Any Shot, Any Time” technology.
