PGA Tour shuts down claims over ‘elite global tour’ with LIV Golf

The PGA Tour has dismissed reports that it is about to unite with LIV Golf to create an “elite global golf series” as completely unfounded.

Talks are ongoing between the US circuit and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund bankrolling the LIV series over the bombshell framework peace agreement that was announced on June 6.

The PGA Tour, PIF and the DP World Tour hope to finalise their truce deal before their end-of-year deadline and form a new collectively owned, for-profit entity which will control the sport.

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Details of the so-called merger remain murky, but a report in the Daily Mail has claimed that an “elite global golf tour” is now in the works that will see the world’s best players from all circuits invited to 18 lucrative events a season.

The report suggests a new tour, which features up to 12 tournaments in the United States, will be introduced from 2025, with lucrative prize pots for the game’s biggest names.

The radical changes to golf’s landscape would see the top players squeeze a new 18-event series into their jam-packed calendars, while being able to move freely between the three main circuits.

However, PGA Tour sources have told bunkered.co.uk that these reports are well wide of the mark.

It has been clarified by a source with knowledge of the PIF negotiations that an “elite global golf tour” proposal is not even on the table between the competing factions and will not happen.

The insider said: “I would categorise this report and the source as completely uninformed. Embarrassingly so.”

The framework agreement is still shrouded in secrecy, with information thin on the ground almost three months on from the shock peace announcement.

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World No.1 Scottie Scheffler recently admitted he is concerned with the lack of “clarity”, while other players have also expressed frustration over such ambiguity.

But PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan declared at last week’s Tour Championship that he is “certain” that a deal will be thrashed out that will have a “positive outcome” for the US circuit.

“Once you get to this position, it’s pretty standard that there isn’t going to be a lot that you’re going to be able to share,” Monahan said.

“We continue to reinforce the fact that the framework agreement is the path that we’re on. And when we’re able to share more information, we will. They understand it’s our job to put forward the best possible construct with PIF for the future.

“I am confident we will reach an agreement that will have a positive impact for the PGA Tour and our fans. I’m certain of it.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.