The world of professional golf has been left rocked, after it was confirmed that arch rivals the PGA Tour and LIV Golf had put their differences aside to sign a merger.
The Tour and LIV Golf have gone toe-to-toe over the past 12 months, in arguably the ugliest year in the sport's history. Now though the saga seems to have come to end after it was confirmed they had signed an agreement along with the DP World Tour on Tuesday.
There are still plenty of questions to be answered regarding where the world of professional golf stands, after the two tours had done everything they can to stifle each other's progress. Amid the drama here is everything we know so far.
What has been agreed?
In a statement the PGA Tour confirmed its newfound partnership with LIV Golf and the DP World Tour. The trio are set to team up as one larger enterprise along with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The name of the enterprise is still yet to be decided.
Discussing the deal, Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said: "This transformational partnership recognises the immeasurable strength of the PGA TOUR’s history, legacy and pro-competitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV – including the team golf concept – to create an organisation that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners and fans."
Legal question marks
Arguably the biggest issue surrounding the PGA Tour and LIV was the ongoing legal battle between the two circuits. Prior to the announcement the rivals had been embroiled in a lawsuit against each other, which remained ongoing.
Now though with both the Tour and the breakaway circuit merging together, it is expected that the legal case will be dropped.
Ryder Cup eligibility
The biggest recent chapter in the saga came just last month, after Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia gave up their Ryder Cup chances after resigning from the DP World Tour due to their LIV allegiances. Following the merge, though, former European captain Bernard Gallacher is expecting the veteran stars to return to the team in some capacity further down the line.
He told Golf Care: "The good news is that it looks like players like Westwood and Poulter can now qualify for the Ryder Cup and Jon Rahm will get his wish to line up with his compatriot Sergio against the US in Italy in September.”
World ranking points
An issue that has blighted LIV Golf in its one-year history is its failure to acquire recognition from the Official World Golf Rankings. This has meant LIV events have gone ahead with the prize of ranking points, which has seen its players tumble down the world's list.
However their agreement with the two Tours could well see them finally begin to earn the points they have desired since forming in June, especially if LIV players return to PGA Tour and DP World Tour competition.
Major championships
Not too much is set to alter in the way of major championships. Since making the move to LIV Golf a whole host of its players have continued to tee it up in all four majors thanks to their prior eligibilities. Open Championship organisers the R&A have welcomed the merger with open arms.
In a statement R&A CEO Martin Slumbers said: "He said: "We are pleased than an agreement has been reached which will help men's golf move forward in a collaborative, constructive and innovative fashion. We care deeply about golf's future and are committed to ensuring that the sport continues thrives for years to come."
