Money Can Buy Golfers, Not Glory｜Power Struggle Still On
In 2022, the golf world was shaken. Saudi Arabia’s PIF sought influence with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. When talk stalled, it launched Live Golf. 54 holes, not 72. Fewer rounds, bigger paychecks, part sport, part show. But there was a catch. Liv gave no official World Golf Ranking, O WGR points. Players saw rankings slide, losing entry to golf’s biggest events, the majors. However, Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson joined Live, while Tiger Woods turned down $700 million to stay with the PGA Tour. By 2023, with stars leaving and sponsors wavering, the PGA Tour stunned golf by announcing a merger with Liv, Commissioner Jay Monahan went from blasting it to sitting at the table, sparking backlash. Political pressure, plus fights over money, schedules, and control froze the deal. This year, the PGA Tour took a $3 billion lifeline from Strategic Sports Group to survive, hedge risk, and defend its crown.
In 2022, Saudi Arabia’s PIF shook up the golf world with LIV Golf — fewer holes, bigger paychecks, and a challenge to PGA and DP World Tour.
Big names crossed over, but without world ranking points and majors, the fight for legitimacy never stopped.
By 2023, PGA turned from rivals to would-be partners, even under heavy backlash and political pressure.
In 2024, with $3B lifeline funding, the power struggle is still on.
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