PGA Tour and DP World Tour strengthen relationship in warning to Saudi-backed LIV golf rebels

The battle lines between the establishment and the Saudi-backed LIV golf rebels were drawn ever more clearly on Tuesday when the PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced a considerable strengthening of their ‘strategic alliance’.

The latter body ended all speculation they have been talking to LIV officials with a blistering attack on the Saudis by chief executive Keith Pelley.

‘We hear them talk about growing the game but I’m perplexed at how that works,’ said Pelley. 

‘In Formula One they work within the eco-system of the sport, as they do in the Premier League and women’s golf, but they do not in men’s golf. What they are doing is detrimental to the game.’

It was Pelley who brought the Saudis into the sport with an event in Jeddah that was part of the DP schedule from 2019 for three years. Now, the two sides have not spoken for 12 months but Pelley left the door if not exactly open, at least ajar.

‘If they changed course and worked within the current eco-system, I’d be open to having a conversation if it helped the game,’ he said.

A joint press conference with the PGA Tour to announce the ‘historic’ pact was scheduled as Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed were due to speak at the second LIV event in Oregon.

PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan opened his cheque book again with about $250million going to the DP Tour. The Americans have also increased their stake in DP Tour Productions to 40 per cent.