Yasir Al-Rumayyan makes ‘best opportunity’ statement after securing shock deal

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Newcastle United chairman and Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan has reacted following the announcement of a shock deal.

A shock merger was announced between the PGA Tour and PIF backed LIV Golf was announced on Tuesday, ending a significant legal dispute. The LIV Golf circuit controversially launched in 2022, attracting a number of leading pros away from the established PGA Tour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This led to an anti-trust lawsuit being filed against the PGA Tour last August by 11 golfers before it was taken over by LIV Golf. LIV claimed PGA illegally suspended players for taking part in the LIV tour without permission.

Meanwhile PGA pointed to the use of LIV Golf as a ‘sportswashing’ tool to detract from the human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.

This caused unprecedented disruption to professional golf as notable pros such as Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson were forced to resign their memberships and became ineligible to compete in the Ryder Cup.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The lawsuit was due to be heard in 2024 but has now been settled with the merger seeing the PGA Tour and LIV Golf combine their commercial businesses and rights into a new company.

The new for-profit company will be chaired by Al-Rumayyan, who is also the chairman of PIF owned Premier League side Newcastle United.

Following the announcement, Al-Rumayyan said: “We are committed to unifying, promoting and growing the game of golf around the world and offering the highest-quality product to the many millions of long-time fans globally, while cultivating new fans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There is no question that the LIV model has been positively transformative for golf. We believe there are opportunities for the game to evolve while also maintaining its storied history and tradition. This partnership represents the best opportunity to extend and increase the impact of golf for all.

“We look forward to collaborating with Jay and Keith to bring the best version of the game to communities around the world.”

Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan
Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan | AFP via Getty Images

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement: “After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This transformational partnership recognises the immeasurable strength of the PGA TOUR’s history, legacy and pro-competitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV - including the team golf concept - to create an organisation that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners and fans.”

The merger also involves the DP World Tour, also known as the PGA European Tour with CEO Keith Pelley adding: “[The deal] marks the end of the division in our game and the start of a new chapter in its evolution.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.