LIV Golf faces a significant challenge following the formation of a global partnership between the world’s primary men’s professional golf tours. The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have officially aligned with the Asian Tour, effectively disrupting that circuit’s previous ties to the LIV series.
Rory McIlroy expressed support for the deal, noting the positive impact of international tours working toward a unified goal. This partnership, solidified during The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, extends the existing strategic alliance between the PGA and DP World Tours until at least 2029.
The Asian Tour previously maintained an association with LIV, offering a pathway for players to earn spots in the breakaway league. Under the new arrangement, however, the Asian Tour will collaborate with the PGA and DP World Tours to create new commercial and playing avenues, including paths for top Asian golfers to join the DP World Tour by 2027. Certain tournaments will once again be co-sanctioned by the DP World and Asian circuits.
This shift represents a major hurdle for LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, who is currently working to secure $350m in funding to sustain the league. O’Neil had previously planned to integrate Asian Tour events into the LIV schedule. Cho Minn Thant, CEO of the Asian Tour, stated that this collaboration will expand the reach of professional golf in Asia while providing members greater global exposure.
