The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have announced an extended strategic partnership with the Asian Tour, cementing their alliance through at least 2029 and delivering another setback to the rival LIV Golf circuit.
The three-tour collaboration represents a significant consolidation of power among golf’s traditional governing bodies. Christian Hardy, Boss of International Affairs at the PGA Tour, and Ben Cowen, Chief Tournament and Operations Officer of the DP World Tour, helped orchestrate the agreement alongside Cho Minn Thant, CEO of the Asian Tour.
Player Support
The partnership has already garnered backing from prominent golfers. Rory McIlroy, the Masters champion, expressed his approval of the unified approach. “Positive news,” McIlroy said. “Great to see the respective tours working together for the good of international golf.”
Blow to LIV Golf
The expanded alliance intensifies pressure on LIV Golf, which has faced mounting challenges in recent months. The Saudi-backed circuit, once positioned as a transformative force in professional golf under CEO Scott O’Neil’s leadership, now confronts a more tightly integrated global tour structure. LIV Golf’s search for fresh investment has become increasingly urgent as it grapples with the established tours’ coordinated expansion.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour’s decision to extend their reach into Asian markets through a formal alliance with the regional tour creates a more cohesive international framework. This structure enables the three tours to coordinate scheduling, player movement, and tournament standards across multiple continents while maintaining their individual identities.
The agreement underscores the establishment tours’ commitment to preserving their collective dominance in professional golf’s landscape. By securing the Asian Tour partnership through 2029, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour have effectively fortified their position against competitive threats while expanding their global footprint.