Golf ‘completely dead’ as fans left split by LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger

Fans and commentators from the world of golf have expressed their surprise and in some cases dismay after it was announced that the controversial LIV Golf Tour and PGA Tour are set to merge with the DP World Tour. The bombshell announcement was delivered in a joint statement on Tuesday afternoon.

The landmark agreement also brings to an end all pending litigation between the participating parties. PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said: “After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love.

“This transformational partnership recognizes 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 organization that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners and fans.

“Going forward, fans can be confident that we will, collectively, deliver on the promise we’ve always made – to promote competition of the best in professional golf and that we are committed to securing and driving the game’s future.”

Elite-level golf was thrown into chaos when a number of high-profile players joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour, starting in 2021. Household names such as PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka, Dustin Jonhson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia were amongst those who made the switch, while Rory McIlroy has remained a vocal critic of the breakaway tour.

Following the announcement, social media has been awash with reactions at both ends of the scale.

@LFC_Koptalker Tweeted: “Mind blowing. The game of golf is completely dead, final nails have just been battered into it by all 3 tours. All about money, prestige means nothing now.”

@RachelBCampbell wrote: “As a golf fan, I can tell you that that is a false statement. I am not excited. I am shocked. And appalled.”

@RSrebasNHL wrote: “Glad to know that the PGA always cared about tradition and not about money. Well done!”

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@RomfordTipster added: “Jay Monahan has some serious questions to answer. He should resign right now. Why on earth would you waste a year on lawsuits banning players to then go sell out and sign a deal with the ones you’re calling the enemy and bad for the game. It’s actually pathetic.”

But not everyone took the position that the historic agreement is bad for the game. @flushingitgolf Tweeted: “I don’t care what side of the battle anyone was on, this is a fantastic day for golf fans and the future is bright for this great sport. Well done to all the leadership involved in this decision. Golf is golf!”

Golf journalist @Daniel_Rapaport wrote: “In genuine shock. Need a minute to process. My first instinct: what a great day for golf.”

@NeilParkerBets added: “Finally, an excellent decision to promote professional golf across the globe.”

The new agreement is likely to involve a team event element that will run separately from the schedules of the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

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