Now that the PGA Tour is in bed with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund and its hundreds of billions in assets, there could be some major moves coming in the near future that are all part of a grand scheme to attain greater control of professional golf.
Despite it happening weeks ago, the fallout of the PGA Tour’s shocking merger announcement with rival LIV Golf is still being felt throughout the industry. The two pro golf circuits were in the midst of a bitter feud that was in its second year and included ongoing litigation. That is why the news was so stunning.
Related: LIV money-man reportedly suggests he won’t let PGA Tour kill off upstart league
Since the revelation there have been many questions about how the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the DP World Tour will proceed once they are merged and under the umbrella of one shared company. However, one thing is clear following the news, and that is the Tour is now in a serious relationship with the Saudi PIF despite questioning LIV for doing the same thing. And that unsavory relationship with an arm of the Saudi Arabian government means massive financial backing that the PGA never had before.
Could PGA Tour take over LPGA?
Recent reports have claimed that the merger is just the latest moment in the Saudi PIF’s attempt to take over golf, however, the Saudis reportedly may just be the money men and the PGA Tour is expected to have a huge amount of power in the new world order of golf. And that could include some larger plans for the Tour to expand its reach and influence on the sport.
In a new report from Brendan Quinn of The Athletic, further details of the merger, what it means for the sport, and what could be next once the agreement passes the current hurdles from a congressional investigation are revealed. And it seems the PGA has some bold ideas on how to make use of that massive influx of money.
“So, how grand are the plans of this new PGA Tour-led, PIF-backed company? Some individuals interviewed here have mentioned the possibility of the tour buying the LPGA. Or buying the PGA of America, along with its most coveted holding — the Ryder Cup. Hell, maybe all of the above? Open access to multiple billions of dollars is now readily available. It was suggested the tour may also want to expand its property portfolio. How much would Pebble Beach go for, anyway?”
– Brendan Quinn
With women’s athletics on the rise, purchasing the LPGA would be a savvy move and a play at more complete control of the sport. In buying the Ryder Cup or a legendary course like Pebble Beach, it would mean the PGA Tour, and essentially the Saudi PIF would also have control of the top leagues in the sport and a pair of historically relevant and popular elements of the game itself.