Saudi-backed LIV Golf is poised to join the PGA Tour in a landmark agreement, with key input from Woods and McIlroy easing a year-long standoff.

The prolonged and controversial ‘golf civil war’ between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf appears close to a resolution, thanks to peace negotiations influenced by golfing legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The two icons reportedly played crucial roles in facilitating a £1 billion agreement that will integrate the Saudi-backed LIV Golf into the PGA Tour, according to recent reports.

Launched in 2021 as a bold alternative to the PGA Tour, LIV Golf quickly rose to prominence with its unique structure and massive financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). LIV Golf courted some of the biggest names in golf, offering lucrative contracts that drew players like Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka to its new league. Mickelson’s reported $200 million deal and DeChambeau’s $125 million contract marked an unprecedented shift in golf, triggering significant debate over LIV’s impact and intentions.

However, with its substantial financial support, controlled by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, LIV Golf has faced backlash, accused of “sportswashing”—using sport to improve a controversial nation’s image. For players who joined LIV, the choice was divisive; it promised them financial freedom but often at the cost of longstanding ties to the traditional PGA Tour and criticism from fans and colleagues.

As LIV Golf attracted attention and talent, the PGA Tour responded by defending its position, issuing suspensions to players who joined the rival circuit and denouncing LIV’s approach. Last year, however, the PGA Tour made a groundbreaking announcement, unveiling initial plans for a merger with LIV Golf to create a unified front in the sport. Although talks were promising, negotiations stalled over the following months, leading to a standstill in which players, fans, and industry figures waited for a solution.

Now, fresh hope for unity has emerged. According to reports, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is “poised” to acquire an 11 per cent stake in the PGA Tour, valued at around £1 billion. This move would also secure PIF two seats on the PGA Tour board, including a significant position as chairman. The deal, while still subject to PGA player approval, is expected to pass, thanks in part to the influence of Woods and McIlroy.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, both respected voices within the sport, have played pivotal roles in these peace negotiations. McIlroy has been one of LIV Golf’s most vocal critics, previously expressing frustration with the Saudi-backed circuit. Following the merger announcement at the RBC Canadian Open in June 2023, McIlroy was candid about his distaste for LIV Golf, saying, “I still hate LIV. Like, I hate LIV. I hope it goes away. And I think that’s where the distinction here is. These are the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and the PIF. Very different from LIV.”

McIlroy’s comments reflect the deep-seated resentment that many PGA players feel towards LIV’s intrusion into the sport. Yet, the proposed merger seems to acknowledge the potential for reconciliation, with both McIlroy and Woods reportedly advocating for a structure that preserves the PGA’s values while incorporating new elements that could modernise the sport and appeal to a broader audience.

With the £1 billion agreement, the PGA Tour stands to strengthen its influence while integrating the financial and structural support from LIV’s backers. For PIF, this deal represents a significant step forward, allowing them a legitimate position within the PGA framework while aligning with some of golf’s highest standards.

Though details of how LIV’s players and format will blend into the traditional tour remain unclear, McIlroy has reassured fans that the integration will likely take a different approach. “All I’ve tried to do is protect what the PGA Tour is and what it stands for,” he said. “Going forward, you may see some sort of team element, but it won’t look anything like LIV has.”

This tentative peace deal marks a notable shift in professional golf’s landscape, closing a chapter defined by fierce competition, polarised opinions, and a divided audience. For LIV’s backers, this is a step towards rehabilitation of their image within the sport. For the PGA, it represents a path towards unity while still maintaining the values that have long distinguished it from its challengers.

Woods and McIlroy’s influence has been vital to the process. Both have demonstrated dedication to the PGA’s mission and have become trusted voices in the sport’s discourse. Their involvement likely eased concerns from PGA players sceptical about the deal and helped set a foundation for this moment of reconciliation.

With the agreement nearing finalisation, golf fans and players alike await an official announcement, eager to see how this new chapter unfolds. While the details and potential impact will continue to unfold, this anticipated peace may just mark a turning point in golf’s history, bringing an end to the rivalry and ushering in a new era of unity on the greens.