Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has supported the shock PGA and LIV Golf merger.
Social media erupted following the news of the two tours coming together after a year of being at loggerheads with one another. The news broke that the two entities have signed an agreement in principle and their rights to a new, unnamed, and unconfirmed company.
The reaction around the golfing world has been a polarising one and the sport’s record holder for the most number of majors won has weighed in on the matter. Speaking to the Palm Beach Post, the 83-year-old is happy that the two warring golf circuits have agreed to coexist. "The last three years have been difficult for the game and the players," Nicklaus said.
"I spoke with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan this morning. He seemed pleased with the arrangement that will once again bring together the best players in the world. I agree that this is good for the game of golf. I also appreciate the commissioner’s comments about continuing the tradition of the Tour and the mission to support important charitable causes.
“I am certainly interested in seeing the details. Jay indicated that this all will happen in 2024, so very soon the proof will be in the pudding. Whatever is best for the game of golf enjoys my full support."
The golf icon seems to have made a U-turn after previously stating those who signed up for the LIV tour should not be allowed to play on the PGA.
"I don’t mean that in a nasty way," he told Golfweek during his annual Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club, also known as Jack’s Place. "This is a PGA Tour event, and we have the best field we can possibly have for a PGA Tour event for those who are eligible to be here.
“The other guys made a choice of what they did and where they’ve gone, and we don’t even talk about it." The merger is set to bring all pending litigation to an end, after LIV were involved in an antitrust lawsuit with the PGA.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who had been one of the biggest critics of LIV, now seems keen to work with their rivals. It is a bold move and one that saw him face backlash from PGA players who were left furious with the announcement.
But according to Bloomberg the US Justice Department, which is already conducting an investigation into the PGA amid their dispute with LIV, will review the merger agreement. They have been tasked with the review instead of the US Federal Trade Commission, which usually handles matters of this nature within sports.
Since Tuesday's announcement, Monahan dismissed any concerns regarding the huge deal. “Every single player in men’s professional golf is going to have more opportunity and more growth,” he told CNBC. “We are going to grow our industry. This is all positive.”
