Despite Investing Billions to Bridge the Gap Between PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Is the Deal Done or Are Some Hurdles Still Left?

Published 06/08/2023, 10:30 AM EDT

Is the highly anticipated merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf truly a done deal? As the golf world grapples with this seismic shift, questions arise regarding the potential avenues to revert to the status quo.

With billions of dollars invested in bridging the gap between these two entities, one would expect a smooth transition. However, the deal’s certainty remains clouded in doubt.

The crucial role of the Tour policy board in golf world

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In a recent podcast appearance, Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee expressed doubts about the merger’s smooth progression. He emphasized the critical role played by the Tour Policy Board, consisting of five influential players: Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Charlie Hoffman, Peter Malnati, and Webb Simpson. Chamblee revealed that if at least three out of these five players express dissent, the merger could falter and die on the vine.

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Brandel said, “And, you know, if if they do pass it, then I look at it as a rocky road getting past this merger is gonna go to the FTC and the DOJ. And even if it goes through that it still has to go through the Senate.”

Should the merger proposal face internal opposition, it would then confront an arduous journey through external channels. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) would scrutinize the deal for potential antitrust concerns.

External hurdles in the way of the big merger

Even if the merger clears these hurdles, it would still require approval from the Senate. The current democratic control presents a significant challenge.

The Golf analyst said in the podcast, “You know, Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, both of them set out you know, let’s take anti live PGA Tour merger tweets last night, and all those people out there who are disgusted by this.”

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“This idea of this merger, they should all write their senators call their senators, all of them should. So there’s a rocky road for this merger getting done.” he added.

Notably, prominent senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal have publicly voiced their opposition to the merger, by urging citizens to reach out to their senators and express their discontent.

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The road to completing the merger appears to be anything but straightforward. This uncertainty may dishearten some golf enthusiasts. Others are seizing the opportunity to advocate for a return to the pre-merger landscape. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions on possible solutions and the potential impact on the sport.

Watch this story: After a Successful LIV Golf Adelaide, $400M Worth CEO Greg Norman Set to Return to Australia With Another Big Announcement

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Written by:

Sakshi is a golf author at EssentiallySports. Writing and golf are her two biggest passions, and making a career out of the two combined is a dream come true. Tiger Woods has been her gateway into the sport right from her childhood.

Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

Despite Investing Billions to Bridge the Gap Between PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Is the Deal Done or Are Some Hurdles Still Left?

The crucial role of the Tour policy board in golf world

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External hurdles in the way of the big merger