Michael Vlismas_Golf reporter and analyst

LIV GOLF & PGA GOLF MERGER<br /> <br /> The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and their rival Saudi-backed LIV Golf have announced<br /> they will combine operations to create a new worldwide golf entity, marking one of<br /> the most consequential moments in the sport’s history.<br /> In a stunning statement that took golf by surprise on Tuesday, the US-based PGA<br /> Tour and Europe’s DP World Tour said they would end a two-year litigation with LIV’s<br /> Saudi backers and form “a new collectively owned, for-profit entity”.<br />  The organisations said in a joint news release that they will work together to<br /> allow a process for LIV Golf players to reapply for membership on the PGA<br /> Tour and DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, following the<br /> 2023 season.<br />  The name of the newly merged entity and the precise structure of the tours<br /> have yet to be announced.<br />  The rival circuit launched in 2022 and has lured a number of big-name players<br /> from the PGA Tour, including Hall of Fame golfer Phil Mickelson, former world<br /> number one Dustin Johnson, reigning PGA Championship winner Brooks<br /> Koepka and Australian Cameron Smith.<br />  Players including Tiger Woods, Hideki Matsuyama, and Rory McIlroy – who<br /> fiercely criticised LIV – turned down eye-watering sums from LIV Golf to<br /> remain loyal to the PGA Tour.<br />  The rift had led to a series of lawsuits and caused acrimony between players<br /> who turned to LIV and others. The PGA Tour suspended members who<br /> competed in LIV tournaments without permission, while the DP World Tour<br /> fined players.