The shock merger announced yesterday between LIV Golf and the PGA and DP World Tours left as many questions as answers.
There was anger and disbelief from players who learned of the stunning deal only in the official announcements, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods — the most staunch defenders of the historic tours — left to process a remarkable volte-face by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and DP World Tour boss Keith Pelley.
Monahan admits players’ meetings at the RBC Canadian Open last night turned “heated”. McIlroy and Woods turned down millions to join the Saudi-funded breakaway. Among the many questions is how the landmark agreement could make that right now. Here, we consider the key issues in golf’s seismic shift.
Who is in charge?
The Saudi power can be seen no more clearly than in the installation of Yasir Al-Rumayyan as chairman of the as-yet-unnamed new body at the top of world golf. The Newcastle United chairman governs Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), who backed LIV Golf with billions. Money talks and that Monahan and Pelley would agree to sit under his control speaks volumes on Saudi’s apparent control in golf’s new order.
What will happen to individual organisations?
The three tours will all continue individually, with their own calendars and schedule of events. But their commercial businesses and rights will be grouped into one overarching for-profit entity.
Can LIV rebels now play in the Ryder Cup?
It remains unlikely that Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia will be eligible to play for Europe in this year's tournament in Rome as they have relinquished their DP World Tour memberships. But a process is set to be established whereby those who either handed in their cards will be able to reapply and be eligible for future Ryder Cups.
Will the PGA players get a Saudi merger bonus?
It remains to be seen how those players who turned down huge signing-on fees from LIV and remained loyal to the PGA Tour will be compensated. But those players who were urged not to defect will feel betrayed if LIV players are able to return with no means of financial balancing.
What does McIlroy think of the changes?
The Northern Irishman, who is expected to speak later today, will feel he has been hung out to dry. He labelled Phil Mickelson “egotistical and ignorant” for his association with LIV.
Why have the traditional tour chiefs changed their tune so spectacularly?
Monahan hit out at a “foreign monarchy trying to buy the game” amid previous attacks on LIV, even referencing claimed links to 9/11 terror. The sheer scale of investment from Saudi has forced every institution to pivot from
outright objection to collaboration. That PGA boss Monahan and DP chief Pelley can flip their scripts so completely only serves to underscore a merger where LIV now boast control of golf’s future.
