PGA Tour and LIV Golf Rivalry Intensifies as Doral Returns to PGA, LIV Seeks OWGR Validation

The world of professional golf remains as dynamic and contentious as ever, with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf firmly at odds. According to The Golfing Gazette, there has been little tangible movement toward a merger, even though the two groups signed a much-discussed framework agreement back in June of 2023. That agreement now seems a distant memory, with internal changes instead shaping each organization’s future. Notably, Scott O’Neil has stepped into the chief executive role for LIV Golf, while Brian Rolapp leads the PGA Tour.

A significant development for PGA Tour fans comes with news from the Sports Business Journal that the storied Trump National Doral course in Miami will host a new PGA Tour event in 2026. This marks the end of nearly a ten-year absence for the Blue Monster, a venue that has recently become familiar territory for LIV Golf. The loss of the LIV event at Doral is seen as a strategic win for the PGA Tour, especially since the course has delivered some of the most exciting moments in LIV’s short history.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf is actively seeking validation in the broader professional golf landscape. Golf Monthly reports that LIV has resubmitted its bid for inclusion in the Official World Golf Ranking system. This follows an earlier rejection, due to concerns over its event formats and limited turnover of players. The organization has taken steps to address these issues, such as introducing a relegation system and partnering with regional tours. The OWGR board, chaired by Trevor Immelman, confirmed they are now reviewing this new application, emphasizing that fairness and integrity will drive the decision.

Although high-profile players like Phil Mickelson have publicly encouraged collaboration between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, any unification remains elusive. New PGA Tour chief Brian Rolapp recently commented on the complexity of any potential deal with LIV, pointing out that fan desire for the game’s top stars to compete more often could be a key consideration for the sport’s future, while also stressing the importance of continued innovation and growth for the PGA Tour.

Thank you for tuning in to this update on golf’s evolving power struggle. Make sure to come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for more from me, check out Quiet Please Dot AI.

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