LIV’s Mickelson and Koepka celebrate merger with PGA

Rebel tour has come under criticism over human rights

‘AN AWESOME DAY’: Phil Mickelson speaks to the media. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf have agreed to merge commercial operations under common ownership, the PGA Tour has announced. The shock announcement comes after a year of unprecedented disruption in the men’s professional game following the launch of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. Pic: Steven Paston/PA Wire.

The world of professional golf reacted with emotions ranging from bemusement to disbelief to triumph after Tuesday’s announcement that the PGA Tour and DP World Tour have agreed to merge commercial operations with the Saudi backed LIV Golf.

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson was perhaps the most high-profile player to defect from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf when it started operations last year. Mickelson lost sponsors over the decision and was widely criticised for the move after he acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s record of human rights violations.