The Asian Tour has announced a multi-year partnership through at least 2029 with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, a development that further complicates LIV Golf's efforts to secure funding and establish itself in professional golf.
This new alliance, effective immediately, will see the PGA Tour and DP World Tour provide commercial and playing opportunities for the Asian Tour. It also establishes direct pathways for top Asian Tour players to advance to the DP World Tour, with the best performers gaining access to the European tour's second-tier Challenge Tour.
"The agreement represents another example of the PGA TOUR taking a proactive approach to shaping the future of professional golf and the continued evolution of its Strategic Alliance," the PGA Tour stated in a news release. Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant commented, "We feel the time is now right to collaborate with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour to enhance the Asian Tour for our members, fans and partners." He added that co-sanctioning events will allow members to compete on a more global stage and welcome players from other tours to their top events.
LIV Golf, which previously had a relationship with the Asian Tour including a $300 million investment to create the "International Series" of tournaments, now faces increased competition for influence and resources. This partnership between the established tours is seen as another setback for LIV Golf, which is reportedly seeking new investors as the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has indicated it will cease funding after the 2026 season.
Rory McIlroy, a prominent figure in professional golf, reacted positively to the news on X, calling it "great to see the respective tours working together for the good of international golf."
The announcement also comes shortly after Mobii Systems Group filed a lawsuit against LIV Golf, alleging non-payment of $925,100 for the league's "Any Shot, Any Time" technology.