PGA announces merger with LIV

[Dannydet]

PGA Tour agrees to merge with Saudi-backed rival LIV Golf

The PGA Tour is merging with Saudi-backed rival LIV Golf, following months of tensions and mounting lawsuits between the competitors.

www.cnbc.com

 

[Dannydet]

Holy crap!
I did not see this happening!

 

[olbriar]

Just WoW. I didn't see that coming. Let's hope it grows the game of golf.

 

[AugieTN]

It's all about the money

 

[olbriar]

You've got that right. We are keeping our not for profit status but are forming a LLC with the Saudis. Money talks and BS walks. It's been said that every man has his price... and so does the PGA.

 

[olbriar]

Basically, between the two entities, they are trying to control global golf. It will be interesting to see how the European tour figures in. They have said that only 40% of the elite golfers are part of the PGA. I don't know what percentage is part of the Saudi league. The European tour is big and also has a long standing tradition just like the PGA. To try to control global golf is a lofty ambition. With the PGA and it's strong following and viewership and the dollars that the Saudis have.. maybe they can pull it off.
The LPGA is another big question. A lot more questions than answers right now.

I feel like the PGA realized their not for profit presence is going to be left in the dust without the merger with LIV. What the two in partnership can accomplish is yet to be seen. Ultimately there will be more money in the sport which will entice more athletes to use their abilities to play golf instead of more physically demanding sports. Perhaps we will see a minor league tour to include the not quite ready for prime time players that can hone their craft with hopes of moving into the big arena. A complete umbrella to cover the sport would also include Top Golf and Virtual golf.

The sport is ripe for the picken. LIV saw that and jumped into the game. The PGA tried to hold onto long respected and honored tradition. MONEY....... too much money to ignore, has waved it's hand and the PGA had to react or lose out. I personally think that tradition is important but the game, athletes, and viewers aren't the same as they were 100 years ago. Perhaps it is time for some editing and if that results in profits for the organizers... so what. Just open up the game to more players to make a living playing the game.

 

[Hadron]

LIV is a "sportswashing" vehicle for a very nasty regime. What getting in bed with them tells you about the PGA management is pretty obvious.

 

[Dannydet]

10 Exciting New Golf Rules Coming With The PGA-LIV Merger

With the shocking news that the PGA will merge with the Saudi Arabian LIV tour, the game of golf is set for radical change. Check out the new rules that will be adopted for the new tour:

babylonbee.com

 

[olbriar]

There will be changes though I doubt that radical. It's time for some change.

 

[mikedt]

PGA golfers instead of shouting FORE!, they must now shout ALLAHU AKBAR!!

 

[Dannydet]

I deleted the link since on my end showed up blank... It was another story about Rory Mclroy, nothing much.

 

[Dannydet]

So here's the update :

Players Rumored To Follow Jon Rahm To LIV Golf, The End Goal For The Saudis, And Jay Monahan's Only Course Of Action

In this edition of Par Talk we talk Tony Finau being linked to LIV Golf, the end goal for the Saudis, and try to find where Jay Monahan is.

www.outkick.com

I'm thinking LIV just toyed with Monahan and is now going to crush the PGA entirely...

 

[olbriar]

It's not like the PGA has any bargaining chips. It's sad for old school golf traditionalist but it might be good for golf in the long run. Different product, owned abroad, with the power to change a never changing game. I can't think of another professional sport that has had a single leadership that the Saudi might want but I don't know what stops them.... Pro Bowlers maybe. Crazy times.