LIV Golf Signs More Players, PGA Tour Expands Alliance With European Tour

As the LIV Golf Invitational Series continues to sign more players, the PGA Tour is strengthening its relationship with another tour. The PGA Tour and the DP World Tour announced a new 13-year partnership just two days before LIV Golf’s first event in the United States.

The joint venture builds on the already existing alliance between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. The partnership runs through 2035 and creates a path for more European players to join the PGA Tour.

The PGA Tour will increase its stake in European Tour Productions from 15% to 40%. Starting in 2023, the top 10 players in the year’s final DP World Tour Rankings will be granted PGA Tour cards for the next season.

The new agreement will also guarantee an increase in annual prize funds for the next five years.

“Building on the success of the existing Strategic Alliance between ourselves and the PGA TOUR, this move will significantly enhance the meritocracy that has successfully served the professional game on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 50 years,” said Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour.

“It is a natural extension and progression of what we have been doing over the past few years and I passionately believe that this move is the right thing for our players, our Tour, our fans, and the game of golf in general. Our two tours have undoubtedly drawn closer over the past few years and today’s announcement strengthens both Tours for the betterment of both memberships.”

The two tours unveiled their strategic alliance in November 2020, but it’s no coincidence that the new announcement comes while some of the world’s best players are joining LIV Golf. Matthew Wolff, the No. 77 player on the world golf rankings, is the latest player to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.

Oklahoma State golfer Eugenio Chacarra and Carlos Ortiz of Mexico have also been added to the upcoming LIV Golf event. LIV Golf’s second tournament starts Thursday at The Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club near Portland.

“It was clear from the outset that our Strategic Partnership with the European Tour Group was a powerful agreement for both sides, and we are thrilled with today’s announcement of this expanded partnership,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said.

“We will continue to collaborate on a global schedule and key commercial areas as we draw our organizations and memberships even closer together while innovating to provide the most entertaining and compelling golf possible to fans around the world. On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I want to credit and commend Keith Pelley.”

Top-40 golfers Brooks Koepka, Abraham Ancer, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed will make their LIV Golf debuts in Oregon.