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The world of golf has been in a turbulent period for several years, and most fans, as well as experts, analysts and golfers, were not happy with this atmosphere.
The arrival of LIV Golf completely changed the general image of this sport, and dissatisfaction could be felt everywhere. However, a few weeks ago there was a major turn of events. Namely, the Saudi Public Investment Fund decided to stop investing in LIV Golf after this season, creating an atmosphere in which LIV Golf could experience a collapse.
The leaders are now looking for a new investor, but it seems that they will have a difficult task to convince anyone of the prospects of this project. Now new information has come that further shows how much the world of golf will change.
PGA Tour and the European DP World have officially entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with the Asian Tour
A historic turn has just happened; the PGA Tour and the European DP World Tour have officially entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with the Asian Tour. This agreement, which lasts at least until 2029, is a major surprise because the Asian Tour has been a key ally of the rival Saudi LIV Golf League for years.
Since 2022, the Asian Tour has been closely associated with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which invested 300 million dollars in it to create the lucrative "International Series" tour. That series served as a stepping stone for players who wanted to earn a spot in the LIV Golf League.
However, earlier this year the Saudi PIF announced that after the end of the 2026 season, it will stop funding the LIV Golf League as part of a reevaluation of its sports investments. Realizing that LIV's future was in serious doubt, Asian Tour director Cho Minn Thant decided to look for a safer option for his members.
The new triple alliance reunites the global golf ecosystem and creates a clearer pathway for player advancement. The best players from the Asian list (Order of Merit) from 2027 will directly receive the right to play on the European DP World Tour.
After moving to the DP World Tour, Asian players can win one of the 10 available spots to enter the elite PGA Tour. In this way, a clear pathway is created that leads from the Asian scene to the world's biggest golf stage.
Also, from 2027 to 2029, the European and Asian tours will once again jointly organize and co-sanction at least two major tournaments a year, which will further connect international golf.
Reactions
Many important figures in the golf world have reacted to these changes, highlighting how significant this partnership will be not only for golfers, but also for the sport in general.
“Bringing the three tours together under one partnership will increase the bandwidth of the professional game in Asia,” said Cho Minn Thant, commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour.
“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, which showcase the strength and diversity of golf in Asia.”
Ben Cowen, chief tournament and operations officer for the DP World Tour, also reacted to the important changes. He is happy about strengthening cooperation, and believes that it will bring many positive things for everyone.
“We are delighted to rekindle our historic relationship with the Asian Tour and indeed strengthen it with the addition of the PGA Tour to our new partnership,” said Ben Cowen, chief tournament and operations officer for the DP World Tour.
Rory McIlroy reacts
However, special attention was drawn to the reaction of Rory McIlroy, considered by many to be the best golfer in the world, alongside Scottie Scheffler.
The Northern Irish golfer often commented on developments in the world of golf, criticizing LIV Golf and its idea, only to completely change his opinion a few years later, saying that he did not want to have a critical approach, but that his primary goal was to ensure harmony in the world of golf.
Rory McIlroy reacted via the X platform to the latest news, stressing that this will be positive for everyone.
“Positive news,” he wrote, “and great to see the respective tours working together for the good of international golf.”
What impact will this have on LIV Golf?
For LIV Golf and its CEO Scott O'Neil, this news came as a complete surprise and a huge shock.
LIV is losing its "development league" and the base from which they earned ranking points (OWGR) and provided a system of player promotion and relegation. Also, with the national opens in Asia now under the auspices of the PGA, LIV can no longer offer these tournaments to potential new investors.
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