In a bid to secure financial stability, LIV Golf has received a significant boost from the Asian Tour.
On Tuesday, an announcement revealed a multi-year partnership involving the Asian Tour, DP World Tour, and PGA Tour, running through at least 2029.
LIV Golf has been linked with the Asian Tour since before it launched in 2022.
The organization invested a hefty $300 million into the Asian Tour and initiated the “International Series,” a series of tournaments offering prize money as high as $2 million.
This partnership will enable the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to enhance commercial and competitive opportunities for the Asian Tour.
It also paves the way for top players from the Asian Tour to transition to the DP World Tour, while elite players can access the European 2nd Division Challenge Tour as well.
A representative from the PGA expressed that “this agreement illustrates the tour’s commitment to proactively influence the future of professional golf and nurture strategic partnerships.”
While the PGA aims to advance the sport, this agreement underscores LIV Golf’s ongoing struggle.
This setback occurs as LIV Golf, featuring prominent players like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, is facing financial uncertainty, especially after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced it would cease funding after the 2026 season.
Scott O’Neill, the CEO of LIV Golf, is currently seeking new investors to keep the tour afloat.
Cho Min Thant, the Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, commented, “Now seems to be the right time to collaborate with the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour to bolster the Asian Tour for our members, fans, and partners.”
He added, “Uniting the three tours will broaden the horizons of professional golf in Asia, and with co-sanctioned events, we are excited to regularly feature our members on the global stage while inviting players from other tours to our premier events.”
Rory McIlroy shared his thoughts on the new partnership, saying, “It’s encouraging to see the tours collaborating for the sake of international golf.”
This announcement also came shortly after Mobii Systems Group, based in Canada, filed a lawsuit against LIV Golf for allegedly failing to pay $925,100 for using the “Any Shot, Any Time” technology associated with the tour.
