What’s Future of golf in Saudi hands after £2.4bn American investment in PGA Tour? Discuss

The landscape of professional male golf is poised for a significant shift as a consortium led by the owners of Liverpool FC invests a substantial £2.4 billion in the PGA Tour.

This move has opened doors for Saudi involvement, potentially unifying the sport. However, concerns linger about American regulatory control and the dilution of Saudi influence, prompting speculation that the merger with LIV Golf might still be on the table. The uncertainty extends to the possibility of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) exploring a partnership with the DP World Tour, potentially splitting elite male golf.

The PGA Tour’s announcement of the “for-profit” PGA Tour Enterprises, with £1.2 billion equity allocated to loyal players, brings optimism but doesn’t signal the end of the ongoing civil war in professional golf. The door remains open for PIF’s co-investment in the future, contingent on regulatory approvals. The sentiment is mixed, with players expressing gratitude for the investment while emphasizing the importance of PIF’s involvement for the sport’s progression.

The ball is now in the Saudis’ court, and while PIF could potentially join as minority investors, the timeline for regulatory investigations could delay revolutionary changes until 2026. LIV Golf, having invested significantly in top players, faces decisions about its future alignment. Talks with the DP World Tour are reportedly progressing, offering an alternative path for Al-Rumayyan and the PIF.

The Strategic Sports Group’s (SSG) arrival, led by Fenway Sports and other US-based sports owners, introduces a new dynamic. While welcoming collaboration with PIF, uncertainties remain regarding LIV Golf’s fate and how the DP World Tour and the fanbase will be impacted. The recent deal is just the beginning, and numerous questions about the future of professional golf await answers.