LIV and the traditional American circuit are on the verge of signing a deal worth close to $1.3 billion, which would end the conflict that has divided the sport for three years.
In 2022, El Deportivo announced that Joaquín Niemann was the new signing of the fledgling club. LIVGolf. The news generated quite a debate in our country since the Chilean stopped defending his points on the PGA Tour, in which he appeared as one of the most promising golfers, to arrive in a new league, but which had already assured personalities such as Dustin Johnson, Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood. Nevertheless, The US$75 million made the offer irrefutable. The following year, it was Mito Pereira’s turn who joined Torque GC, precisely Joaco’s team. SO, Chile has been without its two top representatives on the American circuit, which could soon change thanks to a million-dollar deal.
Two years ago, the Saudi-led competition promised to quadruple its rivals’ profits. Of course, those who accepted this agreement had to suffer the fury of the PGA and, on top of that, sporting punishments, since the LIV did not award points for the world ranking.
Despite this, Niemann defended his position in the face of questions: “The LIV Tour is a platform precisely designed to develop golf on all continents and not just in the United States. He’s trying to attract a much younger audience. The average age of people who watch the PGA Tour daily is over 60, and to grow the game of golf we need to focus more on kids, those under 30,” said that year. Talagantino in La Tercera.
A peace that cost 1.3 billion dollars
During this week, the golf world was shaken by the news of an agreement between the two circuits . According to media The Sunare on the verge of getting along, but thanks to a succulent figure.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is ready to spend $1.3 billion to join American competition. This figure will also allow him to obtain an 11 percent stake in the PGA, in addition to two places on the board of directors, including the position of president.
With this, the LIV Championships would fall within the framework of the traditional North American tournament. As if that wasn’t enough, athletes who made the decision not to change will receive a nice sum of money which will be allocated to a million dollar fund created this year.
Two iconic faces of golf like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, according to British media, played an important role in this path to understanding. But then, While an agreement has been sought for some time, what is stopping the union from signing? According to McIlroy, athletes: “I think the circuits want the deal done. Investors certainly want this to happen because they can see the benefits for themselves. But, at this moment, It is the Ministry of Justice and the different opinions of the actors which are slowing it down », declared that of Northern Ireland in August.
There were already intentions of agreement
Note that this is not a first approach between the two competitions. In September, the United States announced that PGA America had allowed golfers from that country who had competed in the last two years at the LIV to be able to compete in the Ryder Cup, setting a precedent.
However, the union seems to be something that will not happen soon, since both competitions have already announced their schedule for 2025, so if there is a change it will only be for 2026.
Source: Latercera
I am David Jack and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. As an experienced journalist, I specialize in covering sports news with a focus on golf. My articles have been published by some of the most respected publications in the world including The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.
