Professional golf continues to be marked by a dynamic and competitive landscape after the emergence of LIV Golf as a rival to the PGA Tour. LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has disrupted the traditional structure of professional golf by offering lucrative contracts and massive prize purses. This lured several of the top players, sparking controversy over its financial backing and impact on the sport. The PGA Tour, long regarded as the pinnacle of professional golf, has responded by increasing its prize pools and introducing new competitive formats to retain players and fan interest.
The power play has evolved with significant developments between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. In June 2023, the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced plans to merge their commercial operations into a new for-profit entity, aiming to unify the sport globally. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was designated as CEO, with PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan as chairman. However, by January 2024, the merger had not been finalized, leading to an extension of negotiations. At that point, the PGA Tour secured a $3 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of U.S. professional sports owners, to support its for-profit arm, PGA Tour Enterprises. This investment was structured in two phases: an initial $1.5 billion, followed by an additional $1.5 billion contingent upon the conclusion of negotiations with PIF.
In January 2025, Scott O’Neil replaced Greg Norman as CEO of LIV Golf, signaling a new direction for the organization.
Under O’Neil’s leadership, LIV Golf secured a multi-year broadcast deal with Fox Sports, aiming to enhance its visibility and attract a broader audience. The 2025 LIV Golf season comprises 14 events, including six in the United States, with the season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled from February 6 to 8. Notably, this inaugural event will be played under floodlights to accommodate U.S. time zones, starting at 10:15 a.m. ET, coinciding with Fox’s Super Bowl Sunday coverage.
Despite ongoing discussions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, a definitive merger has yet to be finalized. Consequently, both entities continue to operate independently. Top LIV Golf players, such as Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, remain committed to participating in LIV Golf events for the 2025 season. But the professional golf community anticipates further developments as negotiations progress, with the potential for a unified framework that benefits all stakeholders in the sport.
Beyond the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, other notable tours include the DP World Tour, which serves as Europe’s premier golf circuit and hosts prestigious events like the BMW PGA Championship. The Asian Tour has gained prominence, particularly through its partnership with LIV Golf. The Korn Ferry Tour acts as a developmental circuit for the PGA Tour, offering players a pathway to elite competition. Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour is the top women’s golf circuit globally, showcasing female talent. Other key tours include the Sunshine Tour in South Africa, the Japan Golf Tour, and the PGA Tour of Australasia, each contributing to the global golf ecosystem.