Golfers playing for the PGA Tour have demanded more information about the potential impact of capital tie-ups being discussed, saying they had been "kept entirely in the dark" about the organization's future. The PGA has announced plans to merge with Saudi-backed rival LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;but has also recently said it would advance discussions with U.S.-based Strategic Sports Group (SSG) which could come in as a co-investor.

Twenty-one&nbsp;golfers including 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett are seeking full disclosure of the details and analyses of any proposal by prospective partners as well as a meeting with the policy board, according to a Dec. 10 letter sent by law firm Susman Godfrey. "The Board has recently received multiple bids by prospective capital partners that will potentially transform how the PGA Tour operates, who controls it, and who owns it," attorney Jacob Buchdahl wrote. "All but a handful of PGA Tour players have been kept entirely in the dark about the prospective transaction, how it will impact them, and what conflicts of interest may impact the decision-makers."

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The PGA did not immediately reply to a request for comment. SSG includes Fenway Sports Group, owners of Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, as well as Premier League club Liverpool. It also includes investment firm Cohen Private Ventures, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's family office and private equity firm HighPost Capital.

Reuters reported in September that Fenway Sports Group and Endeavor Group were interested in investing in the PGA Tour and any potential transaction would rival PGA's deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Golfers playing for the PGA Tour have demanded more information about the potential impact of capital tie-ups being discussed, saying they had been "kept entirely in the dark" about the organization's future.

Golfers playing for the PGA Tour have demanded more information about the potential impact of capital tie-ups being discussed, saying they had been "kept entirely in the dark" about the organization's future. The PGA has announced plans to merge with Saudi-backed rival LIV Golf but has also recently said it would advance discussions with U.S.-based Strategic Sports Group (SSG) which could come in as a co-investor. Twenty-one golfers including 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett are seeking full disclosure of the details and analyses of any proposal by prospective partners as well as a meeting with the policy board, according to a Dec. 10 letter sent by law firm Susman Godfrey. "The Board has recently received multiple bids by prospective capital partners that will potentially transform how the PGA Tour operates, who controls it, and who owns it," attorney Jacob Buchdahl wrote. "All but a handful of PGA Tour players have been kept entirely in the dark about the prospective transaction, how it will impact them, and what conflicts of interest may impact the decision-makers." Also read: Tennis: Nick Kyrgios 'doesn't want to play anymore' but will give career another chance The PGA did not immediately reply to a request for comment. SSG includes Fenway Sports Group, owners of Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, as well as Premier League club Liverpool. It also includes investment firm Cohen Private Ventures, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's family office and private equity firm HighPost Capital. Reuters reported in September that Fenway Sports Group and Endeavor Group were interested in investing in the PGA Tour and any potential transaction would rival PGA's deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Golf: 'Kept entirely in the dark' - PGA members demand information about Tour's future

In a big development, Masters champion Jon Rahm switched from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf, on Thursday, in a big-money move. His jump has certainly raised eyebrows and has sent another shockwave through the sport. There were speculations of him looking to join LIV Golf when he recently bowed out of the upcoming American Express tournament, a PGA Tour event to be held in January, where he has considerable success (winning it twice).&nbsp;

With this, the 29-year-old Rahm becomes the biggest name to associate&nbsp;with the rebel circuit funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) following Australia's&nbsp;Cameron Smith.&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;came on board&nbsp;after clinching the&nbsp;British Open last year.

In a statement from LIV Golf, Rahm said, "I am proud to join LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport. I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future."

In an interview later on Fox News, Rahm pointed out that it was a tough call to move to the LIV Golf but admitted that money was one of the big factors.&nbsp;"But there is a lot of things that LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;has to offer that were very, very enticing," said the former world number one.

As per reports, it is believed that the world number three has gained a huge deal which will see him being paid&nbsp;at least $300 million with some media outlets putting the guarantee at closer to $600 million.

<h2>Mcllroy on Rahm's switch -&nbsp;Is it disappointing to me? Yes</h2>

Rory McIlroy, one of the biggest supporters of PGA Tour and one of the loudest critic of LIV Golf, reacted to Rahm's switch and said on X, formerly Twitter, "It's hard to sit here and criticise Jon because of what a great player he is and the experiences I have had with him. I have nothing but good things to say about Jon."

"I respect the hell out of him as a&nbsp;golfer and he seems like he wants to live his life the right way. "The thing I realise is you can't judge someone for making a decision they feel is the best thing for them. "Is it disappointing to me? Yes," he added.

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LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;commissioner and CEO Greg Norman also reacted to Rahm's big move.&nbsp;"When I first met Jon at the age of 17, I knew then that the&nbsp;golfing world was about to witness the birth of a new star," he said. "He’s a generational talent who has proven his merit as a multiple major champion and tremendous ambassador for global&nbsp;golf&nbsp;by placing the game ahead of himself. There are very few athletes with his pedigree of talent, leadership, poise, and commitment to bringing progress to the sport on a worldwide stage," Normal further opined.

Thus, Rahm joins a star-studded set of players who are already part of LIV Golf, including&nbsp;Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Smith, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

In a big development, Masters champion Jon Rahm switched from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV Golf, on Thursday, in a big-money move. His jump has certainly raised eyebrows and has sent another shockwave through the sport.

In a big development, Masters champion Jon Rahm switched from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV Golf, on Thursday, in a big-money move. His jump has certainly raised eyebrows and has sent another shockwave through the sport. There were speculations of him looking to join LIV Golf when he recently bowed out of the upcoming American Express tournament, a PGA Tour event to be held in January, where he has considerable success (winning it twice). With this, the 29-year-old Rahm becomes the biggest name to associate with the rebel circuit funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) following Australia's Cameron Smith. Smith came on board after clinching the British Open last year. In a statement from LIV Golf, Rahm said, "I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport. I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future." In an interview later on Fox News, Rahm pointed out that it was a tough call to move to the LIV Golf but admitted that money was one of the big factors. "But there is a lot of things that LIV Golf has to offer that were very, very enticing," said the former world number one. As per reports, it is believed that the world number three has gained a huge deal which will see him being paid at least $300 million with some media outlets putting the guarantee at closer to $600 million. Mcllroy on Rahm's switch - Is it disappointing to me? Yes Rory McIlroy, one of the biggest supporters of PGA Tour and one of the loudest critic of LIV Golf, reacted to Rahm's switch and said on X, formerly Twitter, "It's hard to sit here and criticise Jon because of what a great player he is and the experiences I have had with him. I have nothing but good things to say about Jon." "I respect the hell out of him as a golfer and he seems like he wants to live his life the right way. "The thing I realise is you can't judge someone for making a decision they feel is the best thing for them. "Is it disappointing to me? Yes," he added. Also read: Serie A outfit Juventus not keen on rejoining European Club Association, team says LIV Golf commissioner and CEO Greg Norman also reacted to Rahm's big move. "When I first met Jon at the age of 17, I knew then that the golfing world was about to witness the birth of a new star," he said. "He’s a generational talent who has proven his merit as a multiple major champion and tremendous ambassador for global golf by placing the game ahead of himself. There are very few athletes with his pedigree of talent, leadership, poise, and commitment to bringing progress to the sport on a worldwide stage," Normal further opined. Thus, Rahm joins a star-studded set of players who are already part of LIV Golf, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Smith, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

Golf: Masters champion Jon Rahm jumps from PGA Tour to LIV Golf in big-money move

Rory McIlroy said the European side will have to "rewrite the rules" for Ryder Cup eligibility after Spain's reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm jumped ship to LIV Golf.

Saudi-backed LIV pulled off a coup on Thursday when Rahm confirmed weeks of speculation by announcing he was joining the circuit in a deal reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia have all been declared ineligible to play for Europe at the Ryder Cup after signing for LIV.&nbsp;Henrik Stenson was removed as captain. World number two McIlroy, a fierce and outspoken opponent of LIV, said Rahm following the other players to LIV would require the DP World Tour -- formerly the European Tour -- to rethink its stance.

Rahm is a mainstay of the European team and helped it win the Ryder Cup this year. The next Ryder Cup is in Bethpage, New York. "Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025," Northern Ireland's McIlroy told Sky Sports on Thursday, after Rahm's move to LIV was confirmed.

"So because of this decision, the European Tour are going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility. "There's absolutely no question about that -- I certainly want Jon Rahm on the next Ryder Cup team."

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McIlroy said earlier this year that no LIV rebels should be able to play for Europe at the Ryder Cup. Rahm's move comes as the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of LIV Golf attempt to finalise the details of their bombshell merger announced in June.

A deadline of December 31 has been set to agree on a framework for the new PGA-LIV joint venture. With Rahm arguably the biggest star yet to join LIV, McIlroy fears that professional golf is in danger of "cannibalising itself".

"My fear is that we continue down this path where we have competing tours and it divides the eyeballs that are on the game," McIlroy&nbsp;said.

Rory McIlroy said the European side will have to "rewrite the rules" for Ryder Cup eligibility after Spain's reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm jumped ship to LIV Golf.

Rory McIlroy said the European side will have to "rewrite the rules" for Ryder Cup eligibility after Spain's reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm jumped ship to LIV Golf. Saudi-backed LIV pulled off a coup on Thursday when Rahm confirmed weeks of speculation by announcing he was joining the circuit in a deal reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia have all been declared ineligible to play for Europe at the Ryder Cup after signing for LIV. Henrik Stenson was removed as captain. World number two McIlroy, a fierce and outspoken opponent of LIV, said Rahm following the other players to LIV would require the DP World Tour -- formerly the European Tour -- to rethink its stance. Rahm is a mainstay of the European team and helped it win the Ryder Cup this year. The next Ryder Cup is in Bethpage, New York. "Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025," Northern Ireland's McIlroy told Sky Sports on Thursday, after Rahm's move to LIV was confirmed. "So because of this decision, the European Tour are going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility. "There's absolutely no question about that -- I certainly want Jon Rahm on the next Ryder Cup team." Also Read: United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee confident about safety measures for 2024 Paris Games McIlroy said earlier this year that no LIV rebels should be able to play for Europe at the Ryder Cup. Rahm's move comes as the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of LIV Golf attempt to finalise the details of their bombshell merger announced in June. A deadline of December 31 has been set to agree on a framework for the new PGA-LIV joint venture. With Rahm arguably the biggest star yet to join LIV, McIlroy fears that professional golf is in danger of "cannibalising itself". "My fear is that we continue down this path where we have competing tours and it divides the eyeballs that are on the game," McIlroy said.

Golf: Rory McIlroy urges for Ryder Cup rule change following Rahm's LIV move

LIV Golf's bid to be&nbsp;recognised by the sport's global rankings body has been rejected, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) Organisation confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 11).&nbsp;OWGR said it had turned down LIV's request due to the circuit's 54-hole no-cut format and limited access for players to join the venture. OWGR president Peter Dawson informed LIV chief executive Greg Norman of the decision in an open letter sent on Tuesday.

"The Board Committee met recently to again review your OWGR submission in light of your latest responses to the Committee's questions and concerns," Dawson wrote in the letter.&nbsp;"At the meeting, the Board Committee unanimously determined that at this time the LIV Tour will not be recognised as an Eligible Golf Tour in the OWGR system."

Dawson said there was no "fair and equitable" way of including LIV Golf's players in OWGR's rankings. The issue of whether LIV players should be granted rankings points has been a thorny subject of debate since the lavishly funded Saudi Arabia-backed circuit plunged golf into an acrimonious civil war last year.

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Ranking points were seen as a crucial step in LIV's development, giving its players the chance to secure qualification for major championships. Dawson told US media outlets that OWGR's decision was not aimed at punishing players who had joined LIV. "This is entirely technical. OWGR has no hostility toward LIV whatsoever," Dawson was quoted as saying.

"The important point is this is not about the players. LIV players are self-evidently good enough to be ranked; there is no doubt about that.&nbsp; "This is about, should a tour whose formats are so different and whose qualification criteria are so different, can they be ranked equitably with other tours who conform to the OWGR norm and have more competition to them than perhaps the closed shop that is LIV?" In a statement issued later Tuesday, LIV Golf slammed the OWGR ruling.

"OWGR's sole objective is to rank the best players across the globe. Today's communication makes clear that it can no longer deliver on that objective," the circuit said.&nbsp; "A ranking which fails to fairly represent all participants, irrespective of where in the world they play golf, robs fans, players and all of golf's stakeholders of the objective basis underpinning any accurate recognition of the world's best player performances.&nbsp;"It also robs some traditional tournaments of the best fields possible. Professional golf is now without a true or global scoring and ranking system." &nbsp;

The PGA Tour stunned world golf in June after announcing a shock agreement with the LIV's Saudi paymasters aimed at ending the sport's two-year civil war. However firm details of how the "new collectively owned, for-profit entity" that will see the PGA Tour, Europe's DP World Tour and LIV Golf merge have yet to be divulged.

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LIV Golf's bid to be recognised by the sport's global rankings body has been rejected, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) Organisation confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 11).

LIV Golf's bid to be recognised by the sport's global rankings body has been rejected, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) Organisation confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 11). OWGR said it had turned down LIV's request due to the circuit's 54-hole no-cut format and limited access for players to join the venture. OWGR president Peter Dawson informed LIV chief executive Greg Norman of the decision in an open letter sent on Tuesday. "The Board Committee met recently to again review your OWGR submission in light of your latest responses to the Committee's questions and concerns," Dawson wrote in the letter. "At the meeting, the Board Committee unanimously determined that at this time the LIV Tour will not be recognised as an Eligible Golf Tour in the OWGR system." Dawson said there was no "fair and equitable" way of including LIV Golf's players in OWGR's rankings. The issue of whether LIV players should be granted rankings points has been a thorny subject of debate since the lavishly funded Saudi Arabia-backed circuit plunged golf into an acrimonious civil war last year. Also Read: Premier League: Injury-laden Newcastle good enough for win over Manchester United Ranking points were seen as a crucial step in LIV's development, giving its players the chance to secure qualification for major championships. Dawson told US media outlets that OWGR's decision was not aimed at punishing players who had joined LIV. "This is entirely technical. OWGR has no hostility toward LIV whatsoever," Dawson was quoted as saying. "The important point is this is not about the players. LIV players are self-evidently good enough to be ranked; there is no doubt about that. "This is about, should a tour whose formats are so different and whose qualification criteria are so different, can they be ranked equitably with other tours who conform to the OWGR norm and have more competition to them than perhaps the closed shop that is LIV?" In a statement issued later Tuesday, LIV Golf slammed the OWGR ruling. "OWGR's sole objective is to rank the best players across the globe. Today's communication makes clear that it can no longer deliver on that objective," the circuit said. "A ranking which fails to fairly represent all participants, irrespective of where in the world they play golf, robs fans, players and all of golf's stakeholders of the objective basis underpinning any accurate recognition of the world's best player performances. "It also robs some traditional tournaments of the best fields possible. Professional golf is now without a true or global scoring and ranking system." The PGA Tour stunned world golf in June after announcing a shock agreement with the LIV's Saudi paymasters aimed at ending the sport's two-year civil war. However firm details of how the "new collectively owned, for-profit entity" that will see the PGA Tour, Europe's DP World Tour and LIV Golf merge have yet to be divulged. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Setback for LIV Golf after its bid to earn world ranking points rejected by OWGR

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson said Wednesday that more PGA Tour players will jump to Saudi-backed LIV Golf despite a framework agreement for a merger by the end of 2023.

The 53-year-old US left-hander, among the first to leap from the PGA to the upstart circuit last year, spoke Wednesday ahead of Friday's start of the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship at Doral.

"I've been fielding calls, as we all have, from players that are free agents to PGA Tour players to DP World Tour players that want to come over," Mickelson said.

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Asked if he expected an "exodus" of talent from the PGA and DP World tours, Mickelson was confident of more movement.

"Do I think that? No. I know that's going to happen," Mickelson said. "When players look at LIV, they're wanting to be a part of it.

"Everybody here is happy and enjoying what we're doing, enjoying the team aspect of it and enjoying each other and the camaraderie and enjoying playing golf globally and all the benefits that come with playing this tour.

"So there are a lot of players that see that and want to be a part of it. The question is how many spots are available. There's a lot more players that want to come than there are spots."

Merger talks have continued between the three tours since a June announcement of a framework agreement, but there is a December 31 deadline for any deal to be completed.

A PGA Tour Policy Board with a majority of players including Tiger Woods must approve any merger deal.

"I think the merger talks allow for it," Mickelson said of players jumping to LIV. "I think it allows and kind of opens the door for that."

One door slammed shut on LIV Golf last week was by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board, which rejected LIV Golf's appeal to have rankings points awarded for its events, citing issues with LIV's limited player turnover rate and team format issues impacting individual play.

LIV players have been banned from PGA Tour events, limiting their ability to earn ranking points.

Mickelson, however, says there's more than meets the eye to the rejection.

"I do want to bring to light as to why exactly they are doing what they are doing. It's not what they are putting out there," Mickelson said.

"There's a lot more going on behind the scenes as to the importance of us to the getting points to (equal) the PGA Tour."

American Brooks Koepka, this year's PGA Championship winner, and Australian Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, are the only LIV players still among the world rankings top 50, a key cutoff point for entry into major tournaments.

<h2>Seeking a major pathway</h2>

Mickelson said the majors need to ensure other top LIV players have a path into their events.

"I think the majors need to protect their product, and there's probably other ways that they can do that by creating slots," Mickelson said.

"If they want to make sure they have the best fields in golf, they could create vehicles for players on LIV to play in majors where they don't have to use the OWGR, which would undermine the TV contract and revenue of the PGA Tour if they gave points to LIV."

Koepka said LIV has plenty of talent that deserves a chance to play in majors.

"I think it's hard to argue that some of these guys here are not the best players in the world," Koepka said. "These guys deserve to be in majors that have been in majors.

"Hopefully there's a pathway for them to at least get into majors because I think there's quite a few guys out here that deserve to be in those."

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Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson said Wednesday that more PGA Tour players will jump to Saudi-backed LIV Golf despite a framework agreement for a merger by the end of 2023.

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson said Wednesday that more PGA Tour players will jump to Saudi-backed LIV Golf despite a framework agreement for a merger by the end of 2023. The 53-year-old US left-hander, among the first to leap from the PGA to the upstart circuit last year, spoke Wednesday ahead of Friday's start of the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship at Doral. "I've been fielding calls, as we all have, from players that are free agents to PGA Tour players to DP World Tour players that want to come over," Mickelson said. Also Read: Spain call up Jenni Hermoso for first time since World Cup forced kiss scandal Asked if he expected an "exodus" of talent from the PGA and DP World tours, Mickelson was confident of more movement. "Do I think that? No. I know that's going to happen," Mickelson said. "When players look at LIV, they're wanting to be a part of it. "Everybody here is happy and enjoying what we're doing, enjoying the team aspect of it and enjoying each other and the camaraderie and enjoying playing golf globally and all the benefits that come with playing this tour. "So there are a lot of players that see that and want to be a part of it. The question is how many spots are available. There's a lot more players that want to come than there are spots." Merger talks have continued between the three tours since a June announcement of a framework agreement, but there is a December 31 deadline for any deal to be completed. A PGA Tour Policy Board with a majority of players including Tiger Woods must approve any merger deal. "I think the merger talks allow for it," Mickelson said of players jumping to LIV. "I think it allows and kind of opens the door for that." One door slammed shut on LIV Golf last week was by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board, which rejected LIV Golf's appeal to have rankings points awarded for its events, citing issues with LIV's limited player turnover rate and team format issues impacting individual play. LIV players have been banned from PGA Tour events, limiting their ability to earn ranking points. Mickelson, however, says there's more than meets the eye to the rejection. "I do want to bring to light as to why exactly they are doing what they are doing. It's not what they are putting out there," Mickelson said. "There's a lot more going on behind the scenes as to the importance of us to the getting points to (equal) the PGA Tour." American Brooks Koepka, this year's PGA Championship winner, and Australian Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, are the only LIV players still among the world rankings top 50, a key cutoff point for entry into major tournaments. Seeking a major pathway Mickelson said the majors need to ensure other top LIV players have a path into their events. "I think the majors need to protect their product, and there's probably other ways that they can do that by creating slots," Mickelson said. "If they want to make sure they have the best fields in golf, they could create vehicles for players on LIV to play in majors where they don't have to use the OWGR, which would undermine the TV contract and revenue of the PGA Tour if they gave points to LIV." Koepka said LIV has plenty of talent that deserves a chance to play in majors. "I think it's hard to argue that some of these guys here are not the best players in the world," Koepka said. "These guys deserve to be in majors that have been in majors. "Hopefully there's a pathway for them to at least get into majors because I think there's quite a few guys out here that deserve to be in those." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson says more players from PGA 'wanting to be part of LIV'

PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan said Tuesday he is confident of meeting a December 31 deadline to hammer out details of the tour's merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Speaking ahead of this week's Tour Championship playoff finale in Atlanta, Monahan said he expected a deal for the new circuit to be in place by January 1.

The PGA Tour stunned world golf in June after announcing a shock agreement with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf aimed at ending the sport's two-year civil war.

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However firm details of how the "new collectively owned, for-profit entity" that will see the PGA Tour, Europe's DP World Tour and LIV Golf merge have yet to be divulged.

Under the agreement signed by all sides in June, a December 31 deadline was set to finalise the details for the new circuit.

Despite ongoing scepticism, Monahan told reporters on Tuesday there was no reason to believe the deadline would not be met.

"As I sit here today, I'm confident we will reach an agreement that achieves a positive outcome for the PGA Tour and our fans - I see it and I'm certain of it," Monahan said.

"We have put an end to the divisive and distracting litigation, we have safeguards that are in place to put the PGA Tour in a position to control our future."

Asked if he believed a deal would be in place by January 1, Monahan replied: "We're confident that we're going to reach a positive outcome for the PGA Tour...I don't have any reason to think that we won't be successful."

Monahan refused to be drawn on whether he believed the rebel LIV Golf circuit had a viable long-term future.

"I think there are a lot of questions that are specific questions that are going to come ... as it relates to elements of what is in the framework agreement and elements of what we're talking about," Monahan said.

"I'm not going to talk publicly about them until we've completed those discussions and I can answer that question specifically and directly."

Monahan meanwhile said he expects the PGA Tour to open 2024 with its traditional Sentry Tournament of Champions on Maui, despite devastating wildfires on the island that have left more than 100 people dead.

The Sentry tournament takes place at the Kapalua Golf Club's Plantation Course on Maui each year, around 11 miles from Lahaina, the ocean-side town left in ruins during the fires.

However Monahan cautioned that any decision to play the tournament would be dependent on the good will of local authorities.

"At this point there's so many unknowns, and we want to be respectful of the challenges," Monahan said.

"We want to help be a part of the revitalization. There are a lot of considerations. If we're allowed to, if we're invited, if we're embraced -- given all that needs to be accomplished, we will be there 100 percent.

"But I think at this point right now that's outside of our hands."

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PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan said Tuesday he is confident of meeting a December 31 deadline to hammer out details of the tour's merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan said Tuesday he is confident of meeting a December 31 deadline to hammer out details of the tour's merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Speaking ahead of this week's Tour Championship playoff finale in Atlanta, Monahan said he expected a deal for the new circuit to be in place by January 1. The PGA Tour stunned world golf in June after announcing a shock agreement with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf aimed at ending the sport's two-year civil war. Also Read: NBA: James Harden fined $100,000 over Philadelphia Sixers no-play threat However firm details of how the "new collectively owned, for-profit entity" that will see the PGA Tour, Europe's DP World Tour and LIV Golf merge have yet to be divulged. Under the agreement signed by all sides in June, a December 31 deadline was set to finalise the details for the new circuit. Despite ongoing scepticism, Monahan told reporters on Tuesday there was no reason to believe the deadline would not be met. "As I sit here today, I'm confident we will reach an agreement that achieves a positive outcome for the PGA Tour and our fans - I see it and I'm certain of it," Monahan said. "We have put an end to the divisive and distracting litigation, we have safeguards that are in place to put the PGA Tour in a position to control our future." Asked if he believed a deal would be in place by January 1, Monahan replied: "We're confident that we're going to reach a positive outcome for the PGA Tour...I don't have any reason to think that we won't be successful." Monahan refused to be drawn on whether he believed the rebel LIV Golf circuit had a viable long-term future. "I think there are a lot of questions that are specific questions that are going to come ... as it relates to elements of what is in the framework agreement and elements of what we're talking about," Monahan said. "I'm not going to talk publicly about them until we've completed those discussions and I can answer that question specifically and directly." Monahan meanwhile said he expects the PGA Tour to open 2024 with its traditional Sentry Tournament of Champions on Maui, despite devastating wildfires on the island that have left more than 100 people dead. The Sentry tournament takes place at the Kapalua Golf Club's Plantation Course on Maui each year, around 11 miles from Lahaina, the ocean-side town left in ruins during the fires. However Monahan cautioned that any decision to play the tournament would be dependent on the good will of local authorities. "At this point there's so many unknowns, and we want to be respectful of the challenges," Monahan said. "We want to help be a part of the revitalization. There are a lot of considerations. If we're allowed to, if we're invited, if we're embraced -- given all that needs to be accomplished, we will be there 100 percent. "But I think at this point right now that's outside of our hands." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan confident of meeting December deadline for Saudi deal

Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster.

The 29-year-old from Brisbane finished 54 holes at the New Jersey layout on 12-under 201 with India's Anirban Lahiri a distant second, seven strokes adrift.

"That was a good day," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to a couple weeks with the clubs down."

Smith moved atop LIV's season points list with the victory.

"That was the goal since the start of the year, to at least be up there with a shot at it with one tournament to go. Ticking the box in that department this week."

Smith, a six-time winner on the US PGA Tour before jumping last year to the Saudi-backed upstart series, captured his third career LIV Golf title, having taken last year's Chicago trophy and last month's London crown.

There was little suspense after Phil Mickelson's challenge faded early.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-couldnt-perform-in-icc-tournaments-due-to-internal-issues-claims-former-pakistan-captain-625009">India couldn't perform in ICC tournaments due to internal issues, claims former Pakistan captain</a>

Smith began the final round with a four-stroke lead over six-time major winner Mickelson but opened with a bogey.

After Smith and Mickelson made bogeys at the third hole, the Aussie saw his lead trimmed to two when Mickelson birdied the par-3 fourth.

Smith boosted his lead with a birdie at the sixth and Mickelson plunked two in the water at the par-3 seventh on his way to a quintuple-bogey 8 that dropped the 53-year-old US left-hander eight adrift -- leaving Smith five ahead of the field with 11 to play.

Smith reeled off three birdies in a row starting at the par-5 eighth, stretching his lead to seven strokes, and cruised from there.

Ripper GC, captained by Smith, won the team competition on 20-under, defeating Crushers and Stinger by 11 strokes.

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Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster.

Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster. The 29-year-old from Brisbane finished 54 holes at the New Jersey layout on 12-under 201 with India's Anirban Lahiri a distant second, seven strokes adrift. "That was a good day," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to a couple weeks with the clubs down." Smith moved atop LIV's season points list with the victory. "That was the goal since the start of the year, to at least be up there with a shot at it with one tournament to go. Ticking the box in that department this week." Smith, a six-time winner on the US PGA Tour before jumping last year to the Saudi-backed upstart series, captured his third career LIV Golf title, having taken last year's Chicago trophy and last month's London crown. There was little suspense after Phil Mickelson's challenge faded early. ALSO READ | India couldn't perform in ICC tournaments due to internal issues, claims former Pakistan captain Smith began the final round with a four-stroke lead over six-time major winner Mickelson but opened with a bogey. After Smith and Mickelson made bogeys at the third hole, the Aussie saw his lead trimmed to two when Mickelson birdied the par-3 fourth. Smith boosted his lead with a birdie at the sixth and Mickelson plunked two in the water at the par-3 seventh on his way to a quintuple-bogey 8 that dropped the 53-year-old US left-hander eight adrift -- leaving Smith five ahead of the field with 11 to play. Smith reeled off three birdies in a row starting at the par-5 eighth, stretching his lead to seven strokes, and cruised from there. Ripper GC, captained by Smith, won the team competition on 20-under, defeating Crushers and Stinger by 11 strokes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Australia's Cameron Smith captures LIV-Golf Bedminster crown

LIV Golf's top executive Ron Cross, responsible for securing venues and running the tournaments, has been removed from his post. The news was confirmed by both Cross and the Saudi-backed golf league as well.

"I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of launching LIV Golf," Cross said in a statement to Sports Illustrated on August 2. “While surprised in the change in direction at this time, I remain incredibly proud of the job being done by my Event Delivery Colleagues, LIV Golf team members, the players, caddies, venue and vendor partners to make LIV Golf a tremendous experience and wish them all the best for continued success."

This comes weeks after LIV and rival PGA Tour decided to join forces to form a single golf entity which also includes DP World Tour as well.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-italy-juventus-great-gianluigi-buffon-announces-retirement-after-28-year-long-career-621770">Italy, Juventus great Gianluigi Buffon announces retirement after 28-year long career</a>

"Ron Cross played an important role in the launch of LIV Golf and the establishment of our tournaments," said Doug Mayer, a LIV Golf spokesman. "We are grateful for his contributions. The success of LIV events has always been rooted in our ability to evolve and do things differently and we remain committed to those fundamental ideas going forward."

Cross, a former PGA Tour and Augusta National executive, was one of the first hires of Saudi-backed league when it announced itself on the world stage in November 2021. Thanks to Cross, LIV Golf secured venues for its maiden eight-event calendar which started June 2022 onwards.

He also played a key role in finalizing 14-event 2023 schedule which is still ongoing apart from working on 2024 calendar as well.

The golfing world has been in disarray ever since PGA and LIV decided to become one. In the latest developments, game's legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-joins-pga-tour-policy-board-in-transparency-move-621470">Tiger Woods has been inducted into PGA Tour's Policy board</a>. Woods' involvement can have a direct impact on PGA's deal with LIV as the six player-directors including Rory McIlroy and Woods will have a direct say in any final agreement with the Saudi-backed league.

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LIV Golf's top executive Ron Cross, responsible for securing venues and running the tournaments, has been removed from his post. The news was confirmed by both Cross and the Saudi-backed golf league as well.

LIV Golf's top executive Ron Cross, responsible for securing venues and running the tournaments, has been removed from his post. The news was confirmed by both Cross and the Saudi-backed golf league as well. "I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of launching LIV Golf," Cross said in a statement to Sports Illustrated on August 2. “While surprised in the change in direction at this time, I remain incredibly proud of the job being done by my Event Delivery Colleagues, LIV Golf team members, the players, caddies, venue and vendor partners to make LIV Golf a tremendous experience and wish them all the best for continued success." This comes weeks after LIV and rival PGA Tour decided to join forces to form a single golf entity which also includes DP World Tour as well. Also Read: Italy, Juventus great Gianluigi Buffon announces retirement after 28-year long career "Ron Cross played an important role in the launch of LIV Golf and the establishment of our tournaments," said Doug Mayer, a LIV Golf spokesman. "We are grateful for his contributions. The success of LIV events has always been rooted in our ability to evolve and do things differently and we remain committed to those fundamental ideas going forward." Cross, a former PGA Tour and Augusta National executive, was one of the first hires of Saudi-backed league when it announced itself on the world stage in November 2021. Thanks to Cross, LIV Golf secured venues for its maiden eight-event calendar which started June 2022 onwards. He also played a key role in finalizing 14-event 2023 schedule which is still ongoing apart from working on 2024 calendar as well. The golfing world has been in disarray ever since PGA and LIV decided to become one. In the latest developments, game's legend Tiger Woods has been inducted into PGA Tour's Policy board. Woods' involvement can have a direct impact on PGA's deal with LIV as the six player-directors including Rory McIlroy and Woods will have a direct say in any final agreement with the Saudi-backed league. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi-backed LIV Golf removes Chief Events Officer Ron Cross in abrupt move

Tiger Woods is joining the PGA Tour's newly expanded policy board, the tour announced Tuesday, in a move aimed at cooling player tensions over secrecy surrounding merger talks with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf.

The 15-time major champion, a long-time supporter of the PGA Tour in its fight with upstart LIV, will have a direct say in approving any eventual deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the framework of which was unveiled in June to the shock of tour players.

"I'm honored to represent the players of the PGA Tour," Woods said in a statement from the tour.&nbsp;

"This is a critical point for the tour, and the players will do their best to make certain that any changes that are made in tour operations are in the best interest of all tour stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players."

PGA commissioner Jay Monahan, under fire from many players over handling of the LIV talks since he made the announcement, said future rule changes will require the involvement and approval of the six player directors from the board, including Woods and Rory McIlroy.

That gives player representatives an upper hand on the 11-member board and the power in all decisions regarding any final agreement with the Saudis.

The special advisor to the player directors, Colin Neville, will be fully aware of the state of talks on the "framework agreement" with LIV, which the board must approve by the end of the year in order for the controversial merger to occur.

"The players thank commissioner Monahan for agreeing to address our concerns and we look forward to being at the table with him to make the right decisions for the future of the game that we all love," Woods said.

"He has my confidence moving forward with these changes."

The Washington Post reported that 41 PGA Tour players -- including stars McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler -- sent Monahan a letter on Monday asking Woods be added to the policy board and the tour's governance structure be reviewed immediately.

PGA player Charley Hoffman said Woods pushed for a place among the decision makers and Monahan had little choice than to agree.

"Tiger has done more for golf than arguably anybody," Hoffman said. "To have him sit in those meetings now is very powerful and I think his voice will be listened to."

And, he added, it will begin rebuilding the trust between Monahan and players.

"It's a start. This is the best move we've made in the past few months," he said. "It's Tiger coming up with it and I think he wants to be part of the PGA Tour going forward."

Woods, 47, has been limited in his ability to play in recent years by severe leg injuries suffered in a 2021 car crash.

Monahan said having the leadership and voice of Woods is "welcomed and impactful" as he tries to complete the PGA-LIV deal.

"I'm committed to taking the necessary steps to restore any lost trust or confidence that occurred as a result of the surprise announcement of our framework agreement," Monahan said.

"Any agreement we reach must be shaped by our members' input and approval earned through our player directors."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-top-moments-from-ashes-2023-featuring-jonny-bairstow-runout-stuart-broads-retirement-621401">IN PICS | Top Moments from Ashes 2023 featuring Jonny Bairstow runout, Stuart Broad's retirement</a>

<h2>'Got to keep him busy'</h2>

Players at this week's PGA Tour event in Greensboro, North Carolina, supported the move.

That included two-time major winner Justin Thomas, a long-time friend of Woods, who has invoked legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in backing the PGA Tour.

"It's important to him," Thomas said. "When Arnold and Jack passed the torch to him, that's not something he takes lightly.

"I don't think there's anybody else I would want speaking on my behalf and the rest of the guys."

Thomas warned, however, that it would likely take more than Woods to soothe players who felt betrayed by Monahan.

"You're never going to make everybody happy," Thomas said. "It's about the majority and what's best for the entire PGA Tour. I'd like to think and hope the membership understands that's what Tiger has in mind, especially with him clearly not playing as much.

"We've got to keep him busy somehow. He can't just sit on the couch and do nothing."

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Tiger Woods is joining the PGA Tour's newly expanded policy board, the tour announced Tuesday, in a move aimed at cooling player tensions over secrecy surrounding merger talks with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf.

Tiger Woods is joining the PGA Tour's newly expanded policy board, the tour announced Tuesday, in a move aimed at cooling player tensions over secrecy surrounding merger talks with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf. The 15-time major champion, a long-time supporter of the PGA Tour in its fight with upstart LIV, will have a direct say in approving any eventual deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the framework of which was unveiled in June to the shock of tour players. "I'm honored to represent the players of the PGA Tour," Woods said in a statement from the tour. "This is a critical point for the tour, and the players will do their best to make certain that any changes that are made in tour operations are in the best interest of all tour stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players." PGA commissioner Jay Monahan, under fire from many players over handling of the LIV talks since he made the announcement, said future rule changes will require the involvement and approval of the six player directors from the board, including Woods and Rory McIlroy. That gives player representatives an upper hand on the 11-member board and the power in all decisions regarding any final agreement with the Saudis. The special advisor to the player directors, Colin Neville, will be fully aware of the state of talks on the "framework agreement" with LIV, which the board must approve by the end of the year in order for the controversial merger to occur. "The players thank commissioner Monahan for agreeing to address our concerns and we look forward to being at the table with him to make the right decisions for the future of the game that we all love," Woods said. "He has my confidence moving forward with these changes." The Washington Post reported that 41 PGA Tour players -- including stars McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler -- sent Monahan a letter on Monday asking Woods be added to the policy board and the tour's governance structure be reviewed immediately. PGA player Charley Hoffman said Woods pushed for a place among the decision makers and Monahan had little choice than to agree. "Tiger has done more for golf than arguably anybody," Hoffman said. "To have him sit in those meetings now is very powerful and I think his voice will be listened to." And, he added, it will begin rebuilding the trust between Monahan and players. "It's a start. This is the best move we've made in the past few months," he said. "It's Tiger coming up with it and I think he wants to be part of the PGA Tour going forward." Woods, 47, has been limited in his ability to play in recent years by severe leg injuries suffered in a 2021 car crash. Monahan said having the leadership and voice of Woods is "welcomed and impactful" as he tries to complete the PGA-LIV deal. "I'm committed to taking the necessary steps to restore any lost trust or confidence that occurred as a result of the surprise announcement of our framework agreement," Monahan said. "Any agreement we reach must be shaped by our members' input and approval earned through our player directors." ALSO READ | IN PICS | Top Moments from Ashes 2023 featuring Jonny Bairstow runout, Stuart Broad's retirement 'Got to keep him busy' Players at this week's PGA Tour event in Greensboro, North Carolina, supported the move. That included two-time major winner Justin Thomas, a long-time friend of Woods, who has invoked legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in backing the PGA Tour. "It's important to him," Thomas said. "When Arnold and Jack passed the torch to him, that's not something he takes lightly. "I don't think there's anybody else I would want speaking on my behalf and the rest of the guys." Thomas warned, however, that it would likely take more than Woods to soothe players who felt betrayed by Monahan. "You're never going to make everybody happy," Thomas said. "It's about the majority and what's best for the entire PGA Tour. I'd like to think and hope the membership understands that's what Tiger has in mind, especially with him clearly not playing as much. "We've got to keep him busy somehow. He can't just sit on the couch and do nothing." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Tiger Woods joins PGA Tour policy board in transparency move

Former world number one Ernie Els said the PGA Tour board should step down over the decision to merge their commercial operations with the LIV Series and described the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit as "circus golf".

Els said the way the PGA Tour went about the merger without player input was an "absolute shambles" and that PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan would not still be in the role if it was up to him. "If this happened in my day, in my prime, there's no way he is around. No way. And the board has to change," the 53-year-old told reporters at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, where he shot a 75 in the first round of the British Open.

"I'm sorry, it's not right. Talk to us, tell us what you're going to do, plan on negotiating. Don't just go rogue as a member of the board and come back with a deal and think we're all going to say 'yes'. "You're affecting people's lives. You're affecting the professional game. It's just so bad."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-confirms-sale-of-washington-commanders-to-harris-group-for-whopping-605-billion-617989">NFL confirms sale of Washington Commanders to Harris group for whopping $6.05 billion</a>

Els said he was no fan of LIV's team aspect or its 54-hole, no-cut format. "This is circus golf. Team golf doesn't work," added Els, who won the British Open in 2002 and 2012. "It works maybe in a two-month, three-month happy season. "Get these guys together, get teams together and play around the world. But then play real golf.

"That's what this thing is all about. That's what I prided myself on, like Tiger (Woods) and some of these guys, getting yourself into majors and grinding."

Former world number one Ernie Els said the PGA Tour board should step down over the decision to merge their commercial operations with the LIV Series and described the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit as "circus golf".

Former world number one Ernie Els said the PGA Tour board should step down over the decision to merge their commercial operations with the LIV Series and described the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit as "circus golf". Els said the way the PGA Tour went about the merger without player input was an "absolute shambles" and that PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan would not still be in the role if it was up to him. "If this happened in my day, in my prime, there's no way he is around. No way. And the board has to change," the 53-year-old told reporters at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, where he shot a 75 in the first round of the British Open. "I'm sorry, it's not right. Talk to us, tell us what you're going to do, plan on negotiating. Don't just go rogue as a member of the board and come back with a deal and think we're all going to say 'yes'. "You're affecting people's lives. You're affecting the professional game. It's just so bad." Also read: NFL confirms sale of Washington Commanders to Harris group for whopping $6.05 billion Els said he was no fan of LIV's team aspect or its 54-hole, no-cut format. "This is circus golf. Team golf doesn't work," added Els, who won the British Open in 2002 and 2012. "It works maybe in a two-month, three-month happy season. "Get these guys together, get teams together and play around the world. But then play real golf. "That's what this thing is all about. That's what I prided myself on, like Tiger (Woods) and some of these guys, getting yourself into majors and grinding."

Former world number 1 Ernie Els blasts PGA Tour board over merger with 'circus golf' LIV series

There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake. The 29-year-old from Brisbane capped a stunning 2022 when he won the 150th Open Championship, putting together a remarkable back nine with six birdies on Sunday at St Andrews for his first career major title. Smith started the day four shots behind third-round leader Rory McIlroy and beat him by two shots. American Cam Young was the solo second, one behind Smith.

Shortly after that magical evening, Smith became the highest-ranked player in the world at the time to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Greg Norman-led Tour had a running battle against the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour before hostilities came to a sudden end last month as the Tour shook hands with Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign fund, and agreed to work together.

“I think LIV aside, I’m determined to try my best every week and just try and be a better golfer than I was last week,” said the world No 7, who won the LIV Golf title two weeks ago in England.

“I never really expect too much of myself. The thing I expect are doing everything 100 per cent, ticking all the boxes early in the week, making sure I’m prepared, and then just go out there and give it my all. That’s all I can really do.

“I think I’ve done that fantastic this year and especially last year. It was so good last year that you almost expected to win everything. I think that’s not really a good way to look at golf. Just expect to do all the things that you’re meant to do 100 per cent and then go out there and give it a crack. And if you win, you win.”

Smith sounded an ominous warning for the field, which also includes India’s Shubhankar Sharma, saying he feels he is playing even better than he did last year.

<img alt="British Open in Liverpool" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64611b69-939e-4093-b42d-9cc8f4592022" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Collage%20Maker-17-Jul-2023-11-26-PM-8976.jpg" />

British Open will be held from July 20-23 in Liverpool.

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-id-rather-retire-than-play-liv-golf-says-world-number-three-rory-mcilroy-615246">Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy</a>

“I think as a person, I am the same. I think my old boy would give me a clip around the ears if I was any different,” said Smith. “As a golfer, I think I’m actually better now than what I was last year. I think the stuff that I had to clean up is progressing. It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. My 5-iron and up has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and that’s an area of the game that we’ve worked probably harder than we have on in the past. I feel like it’s right there. It just has to come together.

“I think the first round I had at Centurion a couple of weeks ago was the first time where I felt like it had all come together. And then, the driver wasn’t my best friend on the weekend there. But I managed to kind of scramble out a good week. It feels really close.”

Even though a truce has been signed, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the PIF agreement, and many PGA Tour players have not taken lightly to the fact that it was done without keeping them in the loop.

There have been talks that LIV Golf might cease to exist in the future and all its players are re-inducted in the PGA Tour, but Smith said he was optimistic about the future of LIV Golf.

“Yeah, I’m absolutely optimistic. I think golf is in a great spot. There’s obviously a lot of things that are up in the air that no one really knows at the moment. I don’t think even the guys that are trying to sort it out really know what this outcome is going to be like.

“A lot of uncertainty, but I’m optimistic that LIV will be around in the future. “Like I’ve said in the past, the PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, and it will be for a very long time. But by joining LIV, I don’t think there was any part of me that made me think I made the wrong decision throughout these last eight or nine months.”

The 151st Open Championship, the last major of the golf season, starts Thursday.

(Author:&nbsp;Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups)

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There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake.

There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake. The 29-year-old from Brisbane capped a stunning 2022 when he won the 150th Open Championship, putting together a remarkable back nine with six birdies on Sunday at St Andrews for his first career major title. Smith started the day four shots behind third-round leader Rory McIlroy and beat him by two shots. American Cam Young was the solo second, one behind Smith. Shortly after that magical evening, Smith became the highest-ranked player in the world at the time to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Greg Norman-led Tour had a running battle against the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour before hostilities came to a sudden end last month as the Tour shook hands with Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign fund, and agreed to work together. “I think LIV aside, I’m determined to try my best every week and just try and be a better golfer than I was last week,” said the world No 7, who won the LIV Golf title two weeks ago in England. “I never really expect too much of myself. The thing I expect are doing everything 100 per cent, ticking all the boxes early in the week, making sure I’m prepared, and then just go out there and give it my all. That’s all I can really do. “I think I’ve done that fantastic this year and especially last year. It was so good last year that you almost expected to win everything. I think that’s not really a good way to look at golf. Just expect to do all the things that you’re meant to do 100 per cent and then go out there and give it a crack. And if you win, you win.” Smith sounded an ominous warning for the field, which also includes India’s Shubhankar Sharma, saying he feels he is playing even better than he did last year. British Open will be held from July 20-23 in Liverpool. Also read: Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy “I think as a person, I am the same. I think my old boy would give me a clip around the ears if I was any different,” said Smith. “As a golfer, I think I’m actually better now than what I was last year. I think the stuff that I had to clean up is progressing. It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. My 5-iron and up has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and that’s an area of the game that we’ve worked probably harder than we have on in the past. I feel like it’s right there. It just has to come together. “I think the first round I had at Centurion a couple of weeks ago was the first time where I felt like it had all come together. And then, the driver wasn’t my best friend on the weekend there. But I managed to kind of scramble out a good week. It feels really close.” Even though a truce has been signed, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the PIF agreement, and many PGA Tour players have not taken lightly to the fact that it was done without keeping them in the loop. There have been talks that LIV Golf might cease to exist in the future and all its players are re-inducted in the PGA Tour, but Smith said he was optimistic about the future of LIV Golf. “Yeah, I’m absolutely optimistic. I think golf is in a great spot. There’s obviously a lot of things that are up in the air that no one really knows at the moment. I don’t think even the guys that are trying to sort it out really know what this outcome is going to be like. “A lot of uncertainty, but I’m optimistic that LIV will be around in the future. “Like I’ve said in the past, the PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, and it will be for a very long time. But by joining LIV, I don’t think there was any part of me that made me think I made the wrong decision throughout these last eight or nine months.” The 151st Open Championship, the last major of the golf season, starts Thursday. (Author: Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: In-form Cameron Smith ready for title defence

Rory&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;said he would rather retire from the sport than sign up for LIV Golf after proposals came to light to offer the former world number one his own team on the breakaway circuit. At a senate hearing earlier this week, a proposal was revealed for both Tiger Woods and&nbsp;McIlroy, two of the sport's biggest names, to own LIV Golf teams and participate in at least 10 events on the rival Saudi-backed circuit.

But&nbsp;McIlroy, who said he did not watch the hearing, said he would have rebuffed any such proposal. "If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth I would retire. That's how I feel about it,"&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;said after he carded an opening round of 64 at the Scottish Open on Thursday.

"There's quite a bit of apathy towards everything at the moment. There wasn't a lot of new information there for me (in the hearing), there maybe was for other people." The PGA Tour, European Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit announced a landmark agreement last month to merge and form a commercial entity to unify golf.

PGA Tour Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne testified before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. At the hearing, the framework agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was described as an attempt by its government to "buy influence" in U.S. sports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-ons-jabeur-and-marketa-vondrousova-to-lock-horns-in-wimbledon-2023-final-615235">Tennis: Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova to lock horns in Wimbledon 2023 final</a>

"As I said, I've almost been too close to it over the last year and a bit so it's nice to be able to try to distance myself a bit from it,"&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;added. "I think I'm apathetic to all the noise around it and as long as the tournaments that I play keep on existing I'll be very happy to play them and be a professional golfer."

McIlroy&nbsp;had been one of the PGA Tour's most vocal backers when LIV Golf poached the world's best players. But the four-times major champion later conceded that the new partnership will ultimately be good for professional golf, saying those who were loyal to the PGA Tour should be compensated.

"I think they were trying to do what was right for the Tour, which in turn means what's right for the players on that Tour,"&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;said. "I think I read a quote: "they were negotiating their survival', so I think that's a very fair thing for a business to do."

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Rory McIlroy said he would rather retire from the sport than sign up for LIV Golf after proposals came to light to offer the former world number one his own team on the breakaway circuit.

Rory McIlroy said he would rather retire from the sport than sign up for LIV Golf after proposals came to light to offer the former world number one his own team on the breakaway circuit. At a senate hearing earlier this week, a proposal was revealed for both Tiger Woods and McIlroy, two of the sport's biggest names, to own LIV Golf teams and participate in at least 10 events on the rival Saudi-backed circuit. But McIlroy, who said he did not watch the hearing, said he would have rebuffed any such proposal. "If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth I would retire. That's how I feel about it," McIlroy said after he carded an opening round of 64 at the Scottish Open on Thursday. "There's quite a bit of apathy towards everything at the moment. There wasn't a lot of new information there for me (in the hearing), there maybe was for other people." The PGA Tour, European Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit announced a landmark agreement last month to merge and form a commercial entity to unify golf. PGA Tour Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne testified before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. At the hearing, the framework agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was described as an attempt by its government to "buy influence" in U.S. sports. Also Read: Tennis: Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova to lock horns in Wimbledon 2023 final "As I said, I've almost been too close to it over the last year and a bit so it's nice to be able to try to distance myself a bit from it," McIlroy added. "I think I'm apathetic to all the noise around it and as long as the tournaments that I play keep on existing I'll be very happy to play them and be a professional golfer." McIlroy had been one of the PGA Tour's most vocal backers when LIV Golf poached the world's best players. But the four-times major champion later conceded that the new partnership will ultimately be good for professional golf, saying those who were loyal to the PGA Tour should be compensated. "I think they were trying to do what was right for the Tour, which in turn means what's right for the players on that Tour," McIlroy said. "I think I read a quote: "they were negotiating their survival', so I think that's a very fair thing for a business to do." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy

The DP World Tour would look "foolish" if European players from the LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;circuit are not considered for this year's Ryder Cup as their American counterparts remain eligible, former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell said. Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, who have played 28 Ryder Cups between them and are now with the LIV Series, are ineligible for this year's edition of the biennial competition after resigning from the DP World Tour in May.

However, American players who joined the LIV circuit can still qualify for the U.S. team given they are members of the PGA of America. "To ignore LIV because of politics when the U.S. have those players in their side doesn't make any sense," former Europe vice-captain McDowell, who plays for the Saudi-backed circuit, told the BBC. "It makes Europe's tour look foolish. "I hope that if one of the European players at LIV puts in a summer deserving of a spot on the Ryder Cup side that the landscape would be available for that to happen."

The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement in early June to merge and form a unified commercial entity. Northern Ireland's McDowell, who was on the winning team in three of his four Ryder Cup appearances, also called for Europe's all-time record points scorer Garcia to be reinstated.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-not-everything-is-about-money-daria-kasatkina-concerned-about-potential-saudi-investment-in-wta-612559">Tennis: 'Not everything is about money' - Daria Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA</a>

"I think Sergio Garcia is probably the lead guy right now and the European team room would be better with a Sergio Garcia in it," McDowell said. "I read the stuff with him and Rory McIlroy (resolving their differences) and I'm super happy that those guys have moved on from stuff that shouldn't have come between them - politics and business. "I'd love to see them walking down a fairway in Rome, winning a foursomes match together. I think that's what every European Ryder Cup fan wants."

The Ryder Cup runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Marco Simone&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;and Country Club near Rome.

The DP World Tour would look "foolish" if European players from the LIV Golf circuit are not considered for this year's Ryder Cup as their American counterparts remain eligible, former U.

The DP World Tour would look "foolish" if European players from the LIV Golf circuit are not considered for this year's Ryder Cup as their American counterparts remain eligible, former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell said. Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, who have played 28 Ryder Cups between them and are now with the LIV Series, are ineligible for this year's edition of the biennial competition after resigning from the DP World Tour in May. However, American players who joined the LIV circuit can still qualify for the U.S. team given they are members of the PGA of America. "To ignore LIV because of politics when the U.S. have those players in their side doesn't make any sense," former Europe vice-captain McDowell, who plays for the Saudi-backed circuit, told the BBC. "It makes Europe's tour look foolish. "I hope that if one of the European players at LIV puts in a summer deserving of a spot on the Ryder Cup side that the landscape would be available for that to happen." The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement in early June to merge and form a unified commercial entity. Northern Ireland's McDowell, who was on the winning team in three of his four Ryder Cup appearances, also called for Europe's all-time record points scorer Garcia to be reinstated. Also Read: Tennis: 'Not everything is about money' - Daria Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA "I think Sergio Garcia is probably the lead guy right now and the European team room would be better with a Sergio Garcia in it," McDowell said. "I read the stuff with him and Rory McIlroy (resolving their differences) and I'm super happy that those guys have moved on from stuff that shouldn't have come between them - politics and business. "I'd love to see them walking down a fairway in Rome, winning a foursomes match together. I think that's what every European Ryder Cup fan wants." The Ryder Cup runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome.

Golf: Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell wants Ryder Cup eligibility for LIV's European players

The PGA Tour's merger with the rival LIV Golf didn't go down well with the players. It was more about the 'secrecy' than the 'hypocrisy' of the merger which the PGA-loyal players found hard to digest. The tour now aims to pacify angry and disappointed players.

The PGA Tour issued a statement on Tuesday after the board meeting which included five players: Patrick Cantlay, Rory McIlroy, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson. As per the statement, the tour will require players' approval for any final agreement of the PGA-LIV merger, reported new agency the Associated Press.

"Entering the framework agreement put an end to costly litigation. Management, with input from our player directors, has now begun a new phase of negotiations to determine if the tour can reach a definitive agreement that is in the best interests of our players, fans, sponsors, partners, and the game overall," the statement said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-former-qb-ryan-mallet-dies-in-drowning-incident-bill-belichick-and-john-harbaugh-pay-respect-609547">Former QB Ryan Mallett dies in drowning incident, Bill Belichick and John Harbaugh pay respect</a>

"If future negotiations lead to a proposed agreement, it would need approval by the tour's policy board, which includes player directors. In the meantime, we are all committed to the safeguards in the framework agreement that ensure the PGA Tour would lead and maintain control of this potential new commercial entity," the statement continued.

Notably, players were not happy and, in fact, were frustrated by the lack of details offered after the announcement of the merger. The deal was carried out secretly by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, two independent board members and Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

Following the announcement of the deal, calls for Monahan's resignation grew louder, citing hypocrisy in the deal. Monahan, notably, has stepped down from the day-to-day operations, citing a medical condition. The US Congress, meanwhile, has also put an eye on the deal and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will be holding a hearing on July 11.

&nbsp;

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The PGA Tour's merger with the rival LIV Golf didn't go down well with the players. It was more about the 'secrecy' than the 'hypocrisy' of the merger which the PGA-loyal players found hard to digest.

The PGA Tour's merger with the rival LIV Golf didn't go down well with the players. It was more about the 'secrecy' than the 'hypocrisy' of the merger which the PGA-loyal players found hard to digest. The tour now aims to pacify angry and disappointed players. The PGA Tour issued a statement on Tuesday after the board meeting which included five players: Patrick Cantlay, Rory McIlroy, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson. As per the statement, the tour will require players' approval for any final agreement of the PGA-LIV merger, reported new agency the Associated Press. "Entering the framework agreement put an end to costly litigation. Management, with input from our player directors, has now begun a new phase of negotiations to determine if the tour can reach a definitive agreement that is in the best interests of our players, fans, sponsors, partners, and the game overall," the statement said. Also Read: Former QB Ryan Mallett dies in drowning incident, Bill Belichick and John Harbaugh pay respect "If future negotiations lead to a proposed agreement, it would need approval by the tour's policy board, which includes player directors. In the meantime, we are all committed to the safeguards in the framework agreement that ensure the PGA Tour would lead and maintain control of this potential new commercial entity," the statement continued. Notably, players were not happy and, in fact, were frustrated by the lack of details offered after the announcement of the merger. The deal was carried out secretly by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, two independent board members and Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Following the announcement of the deal, calls for Monahan's resignation grew louder, citing hypocrisy in the deal. Monahan, notably, has stepped down from the day-to-day operations, citing a medical condition. The US Congress, meanwhile, has also put an eye on the deal and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will be holding a hearing on July 11. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: PGA Tour board assures players of say in LIV alliance

A U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday invited PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to testify at a July 11 hearing. Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and the panel's top Republican Ron Johnson invited them to appear.

“Our goal is to uncover the facts about what went into the PGA Tour’s deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and what the Saudi takeover means for the future of this cherished American institution and our national interest," said Blumenthal. “Americans deserve to know what the structure and governance of this new entity will be."

A PGA Tour spokesman said the Tour looks "forward to appearing before the Senate subcommittee to answer their questions about the framework agreement" but did not specify if Monahan would appear.

The PGA spokesman added the Tour held discussions with players Tuesday night and is "working toward negotiating a final agreement that is in their best interest and ensures that the Tour leads any new venture."

LIV declined to comment while the Public Investment Fund did not respond to a request for comment.

<h2>Investigation&nbsp;continues</h2>

Blumenthal earlier this month asked the PGA Tour and LIV Golf for communications and records on their planned merger as part of an investigation, citing concerns about the Saudi government's role in the deal and risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over the sport.

Last week, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden asked the Justice Department to open an antitrust investigation into the planned deal, saying they believe it would result in a monopoly over professional golf operations.

The Justice Department has been investigating the PGA Tour for trying to keep its players from defecting to LIV.

The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival Saudi-backed LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement to merge and form one unified commercial entity.

The LIV Golf series is bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIV). Critics have accused it of being a vehicle for the country to improve its reputation as it faces criticism of its human rights record.

Much of the backlash against PIV and LIV Golf centers around the alleged involvement of the Saudi Arabian government in human rights violations, including the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

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A U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday invited PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to testify at a July 11 hearing.

A U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday invited PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to testify at a July 11 hearing. Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and the panel's top Republican Ron Johnson invited them to appear. “Our goal is to uncover the facts about what went into the PGA Tour’s deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and what the Saudi takeover means for the future of this cherished American institution and our national interest," said Blumenthal. “Americans deserve to know what the structure and governance of this new entity will be." A PGA Tour spokesman said the Tour looks "forward to appearing before the Senate subcommittee to answer their questions about the framework agreement" but did not specify if Monahan would appear. The PGA spokesman added the Tour held discussions with players Tuesday night and is "working toward negotiating a final agreement that is in their best interest and ensures that the Tour leads any new venture." LIV declined to comment while the Public Investment Fund did not respond to a request for comment. Investigation continues Blumenthal earlier this month asked the PGA Tour and LIV Golf for communications and records on their planned merger as part of an investigation, citing concerns about the Saudi government's role in the deal and risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over the sport. Last week, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden asked the Justice Department to open an antitrust investigation into the planned deal, saying they believe it would result in a monopoly over professional golf operations. The Justice Department has been investigating the PGA Tour for trying to keep its players from defecting to LIV. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival Saudi-backed LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement to merge and form one unified commercial entity. The LIV Golf series is bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIV). Critics have accused it of being a vehicle for the country to improve its reputation as it faces criticism of its human rights record. Much of the backlash against PIV and LIV Golf centers around the alleged involvement of the Saudi Arabian government in human rights violations, including the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Senate panel invites PGA Tour commissioner, LIV CEO to testify on merger

PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has stepped back from 'day-to-day operations' of the tour due to medical conditions, informed the PGA Tour in a statement. The step comes after calls for his resignation grew post the shocking merger of the PGA Tour and its Saudi-backed rival LIV Tour.

"Jay Monahan informed the PGA TOUR Policy board that he is recuperating from a medical situation," the statement from the PGA Tour read. The statement, however, did not specify the nature or severity of the medical condition. It although, mentioned that the board supports his decision.

"The board fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy," the statement read further.

In Monahan's absence, Chief Operating&nbsp;Officer of the tour, Ron Price, and Executive Vice&nbsp;President, Tyler Dennis, have been given the responsibility to lead 'day-to-day' operations.

"We will provide further updates as appropriate," the statement added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pga-tour-chief-jay-monahan-faces-resignation-calls-after-merger-with-liv-golf-601731">PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan faces resignation calls after merger with LIV Golf</a>

<h2>LIV-PGA Merger</h2>

The two rival tours had announced their merger around a week ago and the news took both fans and players by surprise. The merger also meant that any pending litigations against both tours would be nullified. While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups, the third one being the DP World Tour, &nbsp;will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release.

<h2>Monahan under fire</h2>

"I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," Monahan had said after the merger. The PGA Tour chief had asked the PGA players to not join the rival league at the time of its launch and those who defied the rule were banned from participating in most of the PGA tournaments.&nbsp;

"Any time I've said anything, I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players.

"I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point," Monahan had added.

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PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has stepped back from 'day-to-day operations' of the tour due to medical conditions, informed the PGA Tour in a statement. The step comes after calls for his resignation grew post the shocking merger of the PGA Tour and its Saudi-backed rival LIV Tour.

PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has stepped back from 'day-to-day operations' of the tour due to medical conditions, informed the PGA Tour in a statement. The step comes after calls for his resignation grew post the shocking merger of the PGA Tour and its Saudi-backed rival LIV Tour. "Jay Monahan informed the PGA TOUR Policy board that he is recuperating from a medical situation," the statement from the PGA Tour read. The statement, however, did not specify the nature or severity of the medical condition. It although, mentioned that the board supports his decision. "The board fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy," the statement read further. In Monahan's absence, Chief Operating Officer of the tour, Ron Price, and Executive Vice President, Tyler Dennis, have been given the responsibility to lead 'day-to-day' operations. "We will provide further updates as appropriate," the statement added. Also Read: PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan faces resignation calls after merger with LIV Golf LIV-PGA Merger The two rival tours had announced their merger around a week ago and the news took both fans and players by surprise. The merger also meant that any pending litigations against both tours would be nullified. While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups, the third one being the DP World Tour, will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release. Monahan under fire "I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," Monahan had said after the merger. The PGA Tour chief had asked the PGA players to not join the rival league at the time of its launch and those who defied the rule were banned from participating in most of the PGA tournaments. "Any time I've said anything, I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players. "I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point," Monahan had added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan steps back from daily operations due to 'medical condition' post LIV merger

The recently-announced merger of PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf has created a stir in the world of professional golf. The moves came 12 months after PGA tour called out the LIV Golf and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had asked PGA Tour players to not join the rival tour.

The move to merge the tours has now backfired on Monahan with even calls of resignation of PGA Tour chief.

"I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," said Monahan.

"Any time I've said anything I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players.

"I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-why-india-and-australia-players-are-wearing-black-bands-601678">WTC Final: Why India and Australia players are wearing black bands?</a>

"It probably didn't seem this way to them, but as I looked to those players that have been loyal to the PGA Tour, I'm confident they made the right decision.

"They have helped re-architect the future of the PGA Tour, they have moved us to a more competitive model. We have significantly invested in our business in 2023, we're going to do so in '24,'" added Monahan.

PGA Tour, at the time when LIV Tour was announced, had support of players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy and had turned down some offers. Monahan was asked if players like Woods and McIlroy would be compensated for turning down the offers, to which he replied, 'they are going to have these tough conversations.'

"I think those are all the serious conversations that we're going to have," Monahan said. "Ultimately, everything needs to be considered.

"Ultimately, what you're talking about is an equalisation over time and I think that's a fair and reasonable concept," he added.

The recently-announced merger of PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf has created a stir in the world of professional golf. The moves came 12 months after PGA tour called out the LIV Golf and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had asked PGA Tour players to not join the rival tour.

The recently-announced merger of PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf has created a stir in the world of professional golf. The moves came 12 months after PGA tour called out the LIV Golf and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had asked PGA Tour players to not join the rival tour. The move to merge the tours has now backfired on Monahan with even calls of resignation of PGA Tour chief. "I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," said Monahan. "Any time I've said anything I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players. "I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point. Also Read: WTC Final: Why India and Australia players are wearing black bands? "It probably didn't seem this way to them, but as I looked to those players that have been loyal to the PGA Tour, I'm confident they made the right decision. "They have helped re-architect the future of the PGA Tour, they have moved us to a more competitive model. We have significantly invested in our business in 2023, we're going to do so in '24,'" added Monahan. PGA Tour, at the time when LIV Tour was announced, had support of players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy and had turned down some offers. Monahan was asked if players like Woods and McIlroy would be compensated for turning down the offers, to which he replied, 'they are going to have these tough conversations.' "I think those are all the serious conversations that we're going to have," Monahan said. "Ultimately, everything needs to be considered. "Ultimately, what you're talking about is an equalisation over time and I think that's a fair and reasonable concept," he added.

PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan faces resignation calls after merger with LIV Golf

The US Justice Department will investigate the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger after the two entities decided to collaborate in a stunning turn of events on Tuesday, June 6. It is understood that the US Justice Department will handle the matter instead of the US Federal Trade Commission, which often handles matters of this nature in sports. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who previously opposed the involvement of LIV in its matters, was the central figure in the merger that saw the two entities sign a contract in principle.

<h2>'We are going to grow our industry'</h2>

“Every single player in men’s professional golf is going to have more opportunity and more growth,” Monahan was quoted as saying.

It is reported that PGA players that turned down the opportunity to sign for LIV could soon be compensated after the merger.

“We are going to grow our industry. This is all positive. I think those are all the serious conversations that we're going to have," he explained. "Ultimately, everything needs to be considered. Ultimately, what you're talking about is an equalisation over time and I think that's a fair and reasonable concept,” Manmohan added in his statement.

<h2>What is the actual matter?</h2>

For months, the both PGA Tour and LIV Golf were in hot water as the pro-golfers were suspended from participating in the tournaments organised by the former body. The two have been in court since August 8, 2022, when 11 pro-golfers were suspended from PGA events. PGA had alleged that LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, offered millions of dollars to pro-golfers to break their contracts.

On September 28, 2022, the PGA, challenging LIV’s laws suit from August, filed a countersuit against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) for wrongly participating in the affairs of the PGA administration.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-virat-kohli-hopes-for-another-rohit-sharma-century-at-the-oval-601649">WTC Final: Virat Kohli hopes for another Rohit Sharma century at the Oval</a>

However, the matter has now been resolved and will see the divide between the golfers come to an end in the coming days.

It is also reported that the two entities have signed a deal that will see PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s commercial businesses and rights fall under&nbsp;a new unnamed company. It is also reported that the PIF will invest billions in the new brand that will see the world of golf reach newer heights.

While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release.

The agreement will however require the approval of the PGA Tour policy board. However, the latest developments are likely to see the end of the civil war between the two major bodies of golf.

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The US Justice Department will investigate the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger after the two entities decided to collaborate in a stunning turn of events on Tuesday, June 6.

The US Justice Department will investigate the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger after the two entities decided to collaborate in a stunning turn of events on Tuesday, June 6. It is understood that the US Justice Department will handle the matter instead of the US Federal Trade Commission, which often handles matters of this nature in sports. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who previously opposed the involvement of LIV in its matters, was the central figure in the merger that saw the two entities sign a contract in principle. 'We are going to grow our industry' “Every single player in men’s professional golf is going to have more opportunity and more growth,” Monahan was quoted as saying. It is reported that PGA players that turned down the opportunity to sign for LIV could soon be compensated after the merger. “We are going to grow our industry. This is all positive. I think those are all the serious conversations that we're going to have," he explained. "Ultimately, everything needs to be considered. Ultimately, what you're talking about is an equalisation over time and I think that's a fair and reasonable concept,” Manmohan added in his statement. What is the actual matter? For months, the both PGA Tour and LIV Golf were in hot water as the pro-golfers were suspended from participating in the tournaments organised by the former body. The two have been in court since August 8, 2022, when 11 pro-golfers were suspended from PGA events. PGA had alleged that LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, offered millions of dollars to pro-golfers to break their contracts. On September 28, 2022, the PGA, challenging LIV’s laws suit from August, filed a countersuit against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) for wrongly participating in the affairs of the PGA administration. ALSO READ | WTC Final: Virat Kohli hopes for another Rohit Sharma century at the Oval However, the matter has now been resolved and will see the divide between the golfers come to an end in the coming days. It is also reported that the two entities have signed a deal that will see PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s commercial businesses and rights fall under a new unnamed company. It is also reported that the PIF will invest billions in the new brand that will see the world of golf reach newer heights. While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release. The agreement will however require the approval of the PGA Tour policy board. However, the latest developments are likely to see the end of the civil war between the two major bodies of golf. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Justice Department to review LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger

The long-standing rivalry between PGA Tour and LIV Golf is set to come to an end as they have agreed to merge. LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, an entity controlled by the Saudi crown prince, will now collaborate with PGA Tour to end the brawl that has&nbsp;seen the golf fraternity divided for months. The merging will see the end of all pending litigation and will soon announce a new yet-to-be-named company.

<h2>What was the issue?</h2>

For months, the both PGA Tour and LIV Golf were in hot water as the pro-golfers were suspended from participating in the tournaments organised by the former body. The two have been in court since August 8, 2022, when 11 pro-golfers were suspended from PGA events. PGA had alleged that LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, offered millions of dollars to pro-golfers to break their contracts.

On September 28, 2022, the PGA, challenging LIV’s laws suit from August, filed a countersuit against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) for wrongly participating in the affairs of the PGA administration.

However, the matter has now been resolved and will see the divide between the golfers come to an end in the coming days.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-may-pull-out-of-asia-cup-if-hybrid-model-rejected-report-601189">Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: Report</a>

It is reported that the two entities have signed a deal that will see PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s commercial businesses and rights into a new unnamed company. It is also reported that the PIF will invest billions in the new brand that will see the world of golf reach newer heights.

While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release.

The agreement will however require the approval of the PGA Tour policy board. However, the latest developments are likely to see the end of the civil war between the two major bodies of golf.

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The long-standing rivalry between PGA Tour and LIV Golf is set to come to an end as they have agreed to merge. LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, an entity controlled by the Saudi crown prince, will now collaborate with PGA Tour to end the brawl that has seen the golf fraternity divided for months.

The long-standing rivalry between PGA Tour and LIV Golf is set to come to an end as they have agreed to merge. LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, an entity controlled by the Saudi crown prince, will now collaborate with PGA Tour to end the brawl that has seen the golf fraternity divided for months. The merging will see the end of all pending litigation and will soon announce a new yet-to-be-named company. What was the issue? For months, the both PGA Tour and LIV Golf were in hot water as the pro-golfers were suspended from participating in the tournaments organised by the former body. The two have been in court since August 8, 2022, when 11 pro-golfers were suspended from PGA events. PGA had alleged that LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, offered millions of dollars to pro-golfers to break their contracts. On September 28, 2022, the PGA, challenging LIV’s laws suit from August, filed a countersuit against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) for wrongly participating in the affairs of the PGA administration. However, the matter has now been resolved and will see the divide between the golfers come to an end in the coming days. ALSO READ | Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: Report It is reported that the two entities have signed a deal that will see PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s commercial businesses and rights into a new unnamed company. It is also reported that the PIF will invest billions in the new brand that will see the world of golf reach newer heights. While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release. The agreement will however require the approval of the PGA Tour policy board. However, the latest developments are likely to see the end of the civil war between the two major bodies of golf. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: PGA Tour agrees to merge with Saudi-backed rival LIV; deal to end all pending litigation

Brooks Koepka outdueled Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler in a back-nine battle Sunday to win the PGA Championship for his fifth major title, giving Saudi-backed LIV Golf a milestone major triumph.

The 33-year-old American&nbsp;captured his third PGA Championship and became the first&nbsp;player to win a major since joining LIV, firing a three-under par 67 to finish 72 holes at Oak Hill on nine-under 271.

"It's incredible," said Koepka, only the 20th player to win five or more majors. "I'm not sure I even dreamed when I was a kid I would win this many."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-celebrate-third-successive-premier-league-title-triumph-with-1-0-win-over-chelsea-594848">Manchester City celebrate third successive Premier League title triumph with 1-0 win over Chelsea</a>

Norway's 11th-ranked Hovland, chasing his first major title, and American Scheffler, last year's Masters winner and the new world number one, shared second on 273.

"I put up a good fight. I played great today," Scheffler said. "I gave the guys on top of the leaderboard something to think about and I made a little bit much a move.

"But Brooks just played some fantastic golf this week. He played too good this weekend for me to catch up to him."

There were a smattering of boos for Koepka as he walked onto the 18th green to make the concluding putts for the title, a sign of the bitter acrimony that has engulfed golf since the launch of the LIV circuit last year.

But Koepka calmly finished off an impressive romp, his first major win since 2021 knee surgery sidelined him for most of the past two seasons.

"I look back at where we were two years ago," Koepka said. "I'm so happy right now. I'm at a loss for words. But this is the coolest thing."

Australia's Cam Davis and American Kurt Kitayama shared fourth on 277 with another LIV player, American Bryson DeChambeau.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy shared seventh on 278 with Austrian Sepp Straka.

Koepka was among the stars who jumped from the PGA Tour to breakaway LIV Golf, which offered record $25 million purses for 54-hole events, despite concern over Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

The PGA banned LIV talent from its events, with a legal fight between them due in court next May. In the meantime, the majors have provided the only outlet for competition between players from the rival tours.

In all, there were six major winners from LIV in the field of 156 with a combined 15 major crowns, none of them won since joining the upstart circuit, including Australian Cam Smith's British Open title last July.

Koepka led entering the final round at last month's Masters but, in his words, "choked" away the green jacket to Spain's Jon Rahm.

After sharing second at Augusta National with LIV's Phil Mickelson, Koepka's three PGA wins puts him behind only Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen.

In the closing drama, Hovland sank a birdie putt from just inside eight feet at 14 but Koepka matched him from just inside four feet to reach nine-under and stay one ahead of the 11th-ranked Norwegian with Scheffler three back.

Hovland was undone by a 9-iron shot from a fairway bunker at 16, where he embedded his ball into the bunker wall and went on to make double bogey.

Koepka sank a birdie putt at 16 from just inside five feet to reach 10-under and lead by four.

"I thought I handled myself pretty well," Hovland said. "Pretty unfortunate on 16 but I don't feel like I gave it away.

"Brooks deserved to win. He hit a lot of great putts and a lot of great shots."

Scheffler birdied 18 from just inside 16 feet and Koepka took bogey at 17 after finding the right rough off the tee, sending Koepka to the final hole two up on the American.

Koepka dropped his approach inside 10 feet and two-putted for victory.

<h2>Ace for US club pro</h2>

World number three McIlroy from Northern Ireland was trying to win his first major title since 2014.

McIlroy's playing partner, US club professional Michael Block, aced the 151-yard par-3 15th on the fly with a 7-iron and was cheered all the way along his walk to the hole. It was the first hole-in-one by a club pro in the PGA since 1999.

Block shot 71 to share 15th on 281, earning a spot in next year's PGA field.

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Brooks Koepka outdueled Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler in a back-nine battle Sunday to win the PGA Championship for his fifth major title, giving Saudi-backed LIV Golf a milestone major triumph.

Brooks Koepka outdueled Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler in a back-nine battle Sunday to win the PGA Championship for his fifth major title, giving Saudi-backed LIV Golf a milestone major triumph. The 33-year-old American captured his third PGA Championship and became the first player to win a major since joining LIV, firing a three-under par 67 to finish 72 holes at Oak Hill on nine-under 271. "It's incredible," said Koepka, only the 20th player to win five or more majors. "I'm not sure I even dreamed when I was a kid I would win this many." Also Read: Manchester City celebrate third successive Premier League title triumph with 1-0 win over Chelsea Norway's 11th-ranked Hovland, chasing his first major title, and American Scheffler, last year's Masters winner and the new world number one, shared second on 273. "I put up a good fight. I played great today," Scheffler said. "I gave the guys on top of the leaderboard something to think about and I made a little bit much a move. "But Brooks just played some fantastic golf this week. He played too good this weekend for me to catch up to him." There were a smattering of boos for Koepka as he walked onto the 18th green to make the concluding putts for the title, a sign of the bitter acrimony that has engulfed golf since the launch of the LIV circuit last year. But Koepka calmly finished off an impressive romp, his first major win since 2021 knee surgery sidelined him for most of the past two seasons. "I look back at where we were two years ago," Koepka said. "I'm so happy right now. I'm at a loss for words. But this is the coolest thing." Australia's Cam Davis and American Kurt Kitayama shared fourth on 277 with another LIV player, American Bryson DeChambeau. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy shared seventh on 278 with Austrian Sepp Straka. Koepka was among the stars who jumped from the PGA Tour to breakaway LIV Golf, which offered record $25 million purses for 54-hole events, despite concern over Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The PGA banned LIV talent from its events, with a legal fight between them due in court next May. In the meantime, the majors have provided the only outlet for competition between players from the rival tours. In all, there were six major winners from LIV in the field of 156 with a combined 15 major crowns, none of them won since joining the upstart circuit, including Australian Cam Smith's British Open title last July. Koepka led entering the final round at last month's Masters but, in his words, "choked" away the green jacket to Spain's Jon Rahm. After sharing second at Augusta National with LIV's Phil Mickelson, Koepka's three PGA wins puts him behind only Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen. In the closing drama, Hovland sank a birdie putt from just inside eight feet at 14 but Koepka matched him from just inside four feet to reach nine-under and stay one ahead of the 11th-ranked Norwegian with Scheffler three back. Hovland was undone by a 9-iron shot from a fairway bunker at 16, where he embedded his ball into the bunker wall and went on to make double bogey. Koepka sank a birdie putt at 16 from just inside five feet to reach 10-under and lead by four. "I thought I handled myself pretty well," Hovland said. "Pretty unfortunate on 16 but I don't feel like I gave it away. "Brooks deserved to win. He hit a lot of great putts and a lot of great shots." Scheffler birdied 18 from just inside 16 feet and Koepka took bogey at 17 after finding the right rough off the tee, sending Koepka to the final hole two up on the American. Koepka dropped his approach inside 10 feet and two-putted for victory. Ace for US club pro World number three McIlroy from Northern Ireland was trying to win his first major title since 2014. McIlroy's playing partner, US club professional Michael Block, aced the 151-yard par-3 15th on the fly with a 7-iron and was cheered all the way along his walk to the hole. It was the first hole-in-one by a club pro in the PGA since 1999. Block shot 71 to share 15th on 281, earning a spot in next year's PGA field. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Brooks Koepka wins fifth major with PGA Championship title

Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka shrugged off rain-soaked conditions and boos from spectators Saturday to fire a second straight four-under par 66 and grab a one-stroke lead at the PGA Championship.

Koepka, among US stars who jumped to the Saudi-financed LIV Golf League from the PGA Tour, sank a 47-foot putt at the par-4 17th hole for his fifth birdie to finish on six-under 204 at soggy Oak Hill.

"I putted pretty well and I was pretty happy with my game," Koepka said. "It was tough with the rain, moisture on the greens slowing them up. But I felt like I was a lot more aggressive than I was the two previous days on the greens."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-west-finals-murray-drops-37-as-nuggets-beat-lakers-119-108-to-take-3-0-lead-594614">NBA West Finals: Murray drops 37 as Nuggets beat Lakers 119-108 to take 3-0 lead</a>

That was good enough for a one-stroke ahead over Norway's Viktor Hovland and Canadian Corey Conners, with LIV's Bryson DeChambeau fourth on 207. All three shot 70 on Saturday.

Koepka and DeChambeau, high-profile players in the PGA Tour-LIV split, were booed by the crowd when they were introduced on the first tee. But both turned jeers into roars with spectacular shotmaking.

"I love when the fans are on you, cheering for you, or giving you crap if you screw up," Koepka said. "That's the beauty of it. I want that atmosphere."

After a day-long deluge, Koepka birdied the par-5 fourth and par-3 fifth, took his lone bogey at seven, then sank birdie putts of 15 feet at 12 and 18 feet at the par-5 13th before his penultimate-hole bomb.

Koepka could join Tiger Woods and LIV's Phil Mickelson as the only players since 1990 to win five majors by capturing a third career PGA crown.

Hovland, ranked 11th, was set to share the lead in quest of his first major title but found a greenside bunker and made bogey at 18.

"I'm playing really solid tee to green, giving myself a lot of easy pars," Hovland said. "Haven't quite made enough putts to get the most out of my game. Hopefully that will change tomorrow."

In his slog across the water-logged layout, Conners made clutch par saves and birdie putts from inside four feet at the eighth and nine feet at the par-3 15th, but was undone by a double bogey six at 16.

"It was a really challenging day with the conditions," Conners said. "I kept it out of trouble and played a lot of good shots."

Conners, ranked 29th, is trying to join 2003 Masters winner Mike Weir as his homeland's only men's major champions. He won last month's PGA Tour Texas Open and had his best major finish, a share of sixth, at last year's Masters.

DeChambeau was two-over on the day after a bogey at 13 but nearly drove the 14th green to set up a birdie and made an eight-foot birdie putt at 15.

He wasn't thrown off by his poor reception at the start.

"I don't care. It's not a big deal," DeChambeau said. "They're going to do that no matter what. I appreciate the fans, them doing that to me. I've got no problem, either way. It still was fun today."

Justin Rose, the 2013 US Open champion trying to become the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1916 and 1919, shot 69 to share fifth with second-ranked American Scottie Scheffler on 208, four adrift.

Scheffler, last year's Masters champion, would overtake Jon Rahm atop the world rankings with a victory. He could become the first man to win the PGA and Players Championship in the same year since Hal Sutton in 1983.man

<h2>McIlroy five back</h2>

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy fired a 69 to stand seventh on 209 with five birdies and four bogeys in a roller-coaster round.

"It hasn't been great. I can play a lot better," said the world number three from Northern Ireland, who seeks his first major title since 2014.

"It's just tough to play in. It's tough to execute in those sort of conditions."

Rahm, last month's Masters winner, fired a 72 to join Jordan Spieth on 216.

Three-time major winner Spieth, who hoped to complete a career Grand Slam with a victory, fired a 71, his low round this week.

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Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka shrugged off rain-soaked conditions and boos from spectators Saturday to fire a second straight four-under par 66 and grab a one-stroke lead at the PGA Championship.

Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka shrugged off rain-soaked conditions and boos from spectators Saturday to fire a second straight four-under par 66 and grab a one-stroke lead at the PGA Championship. Koepka, among US stars who jumped to the Saudi-financed LIV Golf League from the PGA Tour, sank a 47-foot putt at the par-4 17th hole for his fifth birdie to finish on six-under 204 at soggy Oak Hill. "I putted pretty well and I was pretty happy with my game," Koepka said. "It was tough with the rain, moisture on the greens slowing them up. But I felt like I was a lot more aggressive than I was the two previous days on the greens." Also Read: NBA West Finals: Murray drops 37 as Nuggets beat Lakers 119-108 to take 3-0 lead That was good enough for a one-stroke ahead over Norway's Viktor Hovland and Canadian Corey Conners, with LIV's Bryson DeChambeau fourth on 207. All three shot 70 on Saturday. Koepka and DeChambeau, high-profile players in the PGA Tour-LIV split, were booed by the crowd when they were introduced on the first tee. But both turned jeers into roars with spectacular shotmaking. "I love when the fans are on you, cheering for you, or giving you crap if you screw up," Koepka said. "That's the beauty of it. I want that atmosphere." After a day-long deluge, Koepka birdied the par-5 fourth and par-3 fifth, took his lone bogey at seven, then sank birdie putts of 15 feet at 12 and 18 feet at the par-5 13th before his penultimate-hole bomb. Koepka could join Tiger Woods and LIV's Phil Mickelson as the only players since 1990 to win five majors by capturing a third career PGA crown. Hovland, ranked 11th, was set to share the lead in quest of his first major title but found a greenside bunker and made bogey at 18. "I'm playing really solid tee to green, giving myself a lot of easy pars," Hovland said. "Haven't quite made enough putts to get the most out of my game. Hopefully that will change tomorrow." In his slog across the water-logged layout, Conners made clutch par saves and birdie putts from inside four feet at the eighth and nine feet at the par-3 15th, but was undone by a double bogey six at 16. "It was a really challenging day with the conditions," Conners said. "I kept it out of trouble and played a lot of good shots." Conners, ranked 29th, is trying to join 2003 Masters winner Mike Weir as his homeland's only men's major champions. He won last month's PGA Tour Texas Open and had his best major finish, a share of sixth, at last year's Masters. DeChambeau was two-over on the day after a bogey at 13 but nearly drove the 14th green to set up a birdie and made an eight-foot birdie putt at 15. He wasn't thrown off by his poor reception at the start. "I don't care. It's not a big deal," DeChambeau said. "They're going to do that no matter what. I appreciate the fans, them doing that to me. I've got no problem, either way. It still was fun today." Justin Rose, the 2013 US Open champion trying to become the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1916 and 1919, shot 69 to share fifth with second-ranked American Scottie Scheffler on 208, four adrift. Scheffler, last year's Masters champion, would overtake Jon Rahm atop the world rankings with a victory. He could become the first man to win the PGA and Players Championship in the same year since Hal Sutton in 1983.man McIlroy five back Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy fired a 69 to stand seventh on 209 with five birdies and four bogeys in a roller-coaster round. "It hasn't been great. I can play a lot better," said the world number three from Northern Ireland, who seeks his first major title since 2014. "It's just tough to play in. It's tough to execute in those sort of conditions." Rahm, last month's Masters winner, fired a 72 to join Jordan Spieth on 216. Three-time major winner Spieth, who hoped to complete a career Grand Slam with a victory, fired a 71, his low round this week. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PGA Championship: Brooks Koepka takes lead at soggy Oak Field amid boos from spectators

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second major of the year.

“Well the thing is, we prefer not to talk too much about politics because, at the end of the day, that's what this is. The world of golf has become entrenched in politics unfortunately with different organisations vying for power and essentially. Retaining power or dictating terms essentially. It’s a sad situation that we find ourselves in,” said Lahiri while he exclusively spoke to WION.

There has been a conflict surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA where 16 golfers have pulled out of the PGA Championships. Paul Casey was the latest to join the casualty list with Sam Stevens taking his place instead at the 2023 PGA Championship in Oak Hill, Pittsford.

Speaking on the issue Lahiri opened up on the latest situation surrounding the European tour where the situation is more dilute.&nbsp;

“Organisations are themselves now potentially compromising professional golfers and professional golf. So, what is happening is very sad. I am really glad that I am not an active European tour member right now, I haven't been for a while because it would have put me also in a very sticky situation. But for someone like Lee, or Poulter or Henrick, these guys have been legends. They are Ryder Cup legends, and they have supported a lot of their home events. All that is suddenly forgotten. It is very very sad. It is very political and it is very unfortunate,” added Lahiri.

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Speaking on his current run he reflected on how he usually begins&nbsp;his season and why he found it hard to get started at the start of the season.

“I think I started off this season almost trying a little bit too hard. I was getting in my own way; I think that’s been something I’m guilty of over the many years that I have played professional golf. I think we all get really amped up and really excited when we start a season. I didn’t play that early in the year and I had to reset,” Lahiri added.

The current war of politics between PGA and LIV leaves only 16 golfers from the Saudi-backed league that will be present at Oak Hill this week. As things stand the following golfers from the LIV golf will take guards in the event starting from Thursday.

Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, Dean Burmester, Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri, Brendan Seele, Sihwan Kim.

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The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York.

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second major of the year. “Well the thing is, we prefer not to talk too much about politics because, at the end of the day, that's what this is. The world of golf has become entrenched in politics unfortunately with different organisations vying for power and essentially. Retaining power or dictating terms essentially. It’s a sad situation that we find ourselves in,” said Lahiri while he exclusively spoke to WION. There has been a conflict surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA where 16 golfers have pulled out of the PGA Championships. Paul Casey was the latest to join the casualty list with Sam Stevens taking his place instead at the 2023 PGA Championship in Oak Hill, Pittsford. Speaking on the issue Lahiri opened up on the latest situation surrounding the European tour where the situation is more dilute. “Organisations are themselves now potentially compromising professional golfers and professional golf. So, what is happening is very sad. I am really glad that I am not an active European tour member right now, I haven't been for a while because it would have put me also in a very sticky situation. But for someone like Lee, or Poulter or Henrick, these guys have been legends. They are Ryder Cup legends, and they have supported a lot of their home events. All that is suddenly forgotten. It is very very sad. It is very political and it is very unfortunate,” added Lahiri. ALSO READ | People feel they have the power to comment or say what they want: KL Rahul hits back at online trolls Speaking on his current run he reflected on how he usually begins his season and why he found it hard to get started at the start of the season. “I think I started off this season almost trying a little bit too hard. I was getting in my own way; I think that’s been something I’m guilty of over the many years that I have played professional golf. I think we all get really amped up and really excited when we start a season. I didn’t play that early in the year and I had to reset,” Lahiri added. The current war of politics between PGA and LIV leaves only 16 golfers from the Saudi-backed league that will be present at Oak Hill this week. As things stand the following golfers from the LIV golf will take guards in the event starting from Thursday. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, Dean Burmester, Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri, Brendan Seele, Sihwan Kim. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WION EXCLUSIVE | Anirban Lahiri looks ahead to the PGA Championship

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second Major of the year.

WION Exclusive: Lahiri looks ahead to the PGA championship

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green. South Africa's Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing.

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Australia's British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track.

Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch -- winner of the previous two events -- and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit's first 14 events.

The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year.

Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under.

"Obviously after I made seven on 10 -- everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole --but to fight back and birdie 18 two times in a row, I'm really happy with that," Johnson said.

Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace -- who shot 61 in the first round -- closed with a five-under 65.

Grace helped South Africa's Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total.

The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York.

LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts.

Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill.

"I'm really playing well," Johnson said. "Got a lot of momentum going into next week."

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Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green. South Africa's Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing. Also Read: La Liga: Barcelona thrash Espanyol 4-2 to win first title since 2019 Australia's British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track. Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch -- winner of the previous two events -- and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit's first 14 events. The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year. Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under. "Obviously after I made seven on 10 -- everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole --but to fight back and birdie 18 two times in a row, I'm really happy with that," Johnson said. Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace -- who shot 61 in the first round -- closed with a five-under 65. Grace helped South Africa's Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total. The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York. LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts. Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill. "I'm really playing well," Johnson said. "Got a lot of momentum going into next week." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Dustin Johnson wins LIV Tulsa trophy ahead of PGA Championship

The DP World&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and&nbsp;fines&nbsp;on 26&nbsp;players&nbsp;who breached its rules by competing in&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf and Asian&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;events without permission. The DP World&nbsp;Tour, formerly known as the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Tour, said in a statement on Thursday that the sanctions were related to events that took place from June 22, 2022 to April 2, 2023.

Last month the&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine&nbsp;players&nbsp;who competed in the first two events on the Saudi-backed&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;circuit in 2022 without permission. The&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;said the new sanctions were determined on a case-by-case basis to recognise differences among&nbsp;tournaments and the impact it had on the&nbsp;Tour's broadcast partners and sponsors.

The&nbsp;fines&nbsp;ranged from 12,500 pounds ($15,776.25) to 100,000 pounds for each breach, while the total suspension imposed on any player was a maximum of eight DP World&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;events. Last week, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood resigned their&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;memberships, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup.

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Westwood has previously criticised the&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;for its sanctions. "People say I knew exactly what would happen, but nobody told us the extent of the punishments," Westwood told the Daily Telegraph newspaper this month. "The way I view it is that, as a&nbsp;European&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;member, I was allowed to be a member of the PGA&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;without any problem for all those years. "Tell me, what is the difference? Just because&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;is funded by the Saudis – a country where my&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;used to play and where we were encouraged to play?"

Critics have said the $255 million&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Series is a vehicle for Saudi Arabia to try to improve its image in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

The DP World Tour said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and fines on 26 players who breached its rules by competing in LIV Golf and Asian Tour events without permission.

The DP World Tour said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and fines on 26 players who breached its rules by competing in LIV Golf and Asian Tour events without permission. The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, said in a statement on Thursday that the sanctions were related to events that took place from June 22, 2022 to April 2, 2023. Last month the Tour won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who competed in the first two events on the Saudi-backed LIV circuit in 2022 without permission. The Tour said the new sanctions were determined on a case-by-case basis to recognise differences among tournaments and the impact it had on the Tour's broadcast partners and sponsors. The fines ranged from 12,500 pounds ($15,776.25) to 100,000 pounds for each breach, while the total suspension imposed on any player was a maximum of eight DP World Tour events. Last week, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood resigned their Tour memberships, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup. Also Read: Ex-Australia Rugby star Jarryd Hayne sentenced to four years and nine months for sexually assaulting a woman Westwood has previously criticised the Tour for its sanctions. "People say I knew exactly what would happen, but nobody told us the extent of the punishments," Westwood told the Daily Telegraph newspaper this month. "The way I view it is that, as a European Tour member, I was allowed to be a member of the PGA Tour without any problem for all those years. "Tell me, what is the difference? Just because LIV is funded by the Saudis – a country where my Tour used to play and where we were encouraged to play?" Critics have said the $255 million LIV Series is a vehicle for Saudi Arabia to try to improve its image in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

Golf: DP World Tour issues new sanctions on 26 players

LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says "a long list" of players want to join the rebel tour as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson on Wednesday conceded it would benefit from more depth.

Norman, who is preparing for the Saudi-backed circuit's first event in his Australian homeland this week, said some of the names would "surprise" people.

"It's an ongoing process. We've got a long list of players who want to come in. We just don't have the ability today because players are under contract," he told NewsCorp Australia, without giving names.

"But we'll get to a position where there will be a relegation series and places will start opening up.

"It's incredible the amount of players who want to come on board," he added. "It would surprise you how good those names are."

Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, LIV split the golf world last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) with lucrative contracts to its 54-hole, no-cut experiment.

Now in its second season, it has faced resistance from traditionalists and struggled for credibility in the United States, in particular.

Campaigners accuse Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" -- using sport to deflect from its human rights record, including the murder and dismembering of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate in 2018.

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But LIV looks to have been embraced by Australians with tickets selling out for this week's event in Adelaide.

Koepka, runner-up at the Masters two weeks ago, and current British Open champion Cameron Smith are among the top names who have defected to LIV.

They headline the action at The Grange Golf Club this week.

Phil Mickelson, who tied for second with Koepka at Augusta, and Dustin Johnson also jumped ship to LIV, as did Patrick Reed, who finished fourth at the Masters.

There have been no more recent big-name defections, and if there are it would be a another setback for the US PGA Tour.

Koepka, who had a two-stroke lead going into the final round at the Masters but imploded to finish four strokes behind winner Jon Rahm, said he had not spoken to any players about making the move to LIV because it was "not my style".

But he added: "I'm sure there's a bunch of guys who are still looking to come over, whether that be college players, younger players, to guys who have played on the PGA Tour and the DP Tour.

"And yes, you can always add depth to anything -- the stronger we get, the better we are."

Two-time major winner Johnson agreed that more star power was needed to grow LIV.

"Obviously the better players we have playing the stronger LIV gets and it's better for the game," he said.&nbsp;

"But I haven't talked to Greg this week, so I can't really comment too much on what he was saying."

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LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says "a long list" of players want to join the rebel tour as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson on Wednesday conceded it would benefit from more depth.

LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says "a long list" of players want to join the rebel tour as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson on Wednesday conceded it would benefit from more depth. Norman, who is preparing for the Saudi-backed circuit's first event in his Australian homeland this week, said some of the names would "surprise" people. "It's an ongoing process. We've got a long list of players who want to come in. We just don't have the ability today because players are under contract," he told NewsCorp Australia, without giving names. "But we'll get to a position where there will be a relegation series and places will start opening up. "It's incredible the amount of players who want to come on board," he added. "It would surprise you how good those names are." Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, LIV split the golf world last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) with lucrative contracts to its 54-hole, no-cut experiment. Now in its second season, it has faced resistance from traditionalists and struggled for credibility in the United States, in particular. Campaigners accuse Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" -- using sport to deflect from its human rights record, including the murder and dismembering of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate in 2018. Also Read: Champions League: AC Milan enter semis after Giroud's equaliser against Napoli But LIV looks to have been embraced by Australians with tickets selling out for this week's event in Adelaide. Koepka, runner-up at the Masters two weeks ago, and current British Open champion Cameron Smith are among the top names who have defected to LIV. They headline the action at The Grange Golf Club this week. Phil Mickelson, who tied for second with Koepka at Augusta, and Dustin Johnson also jumped ship to LIV, as did Patrick Reed, who finished fourth at the Masters. There have been no more recent big-name defections, and if there are it would be a another setback for the US PGA Tour. Koepka, who had a two-stroke lead going into the final round at the Masters but imploded to finish four strokes behind winner Jon Rahm, said he had not spoken to any players about making the move to LIV because it was "not my style". But he added: "I'm sure there's a bunch of guys who are still looking to come over, whether that be college players, younger players, to guys who have played on the PGA Tour and the DP Tour. "And yes, you can always add depth to anything -- the stronger we get, the better we are." Two-time major winner Johnson agreed that more star power was needed to grow LIV. "Obviously the better players we have playing the stronger LIV gets and it's better for the game," he said. "But I haven't talked to Greg this week, so I can't really comment too much on what he was saying." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Long list' of players keen to join LIV Golf, says rebel circuit boss Greg Norman

The late Seve Ballesteros, who inspired not just his nation, Spain, but the entire European continent, would be a proud man up there today. On his birthday, Jon Rahm, who grew up idolising the magician, won the 87th&nbsp;Masters in a rather imperious fashion.

Starting his final round two shots behind American Brooks Koepka, Rahm did not need any miracle shots like Seve was prone to pull off in his wins. Instead, he was rock-solid in his three-under-par 69. And with Koepka finally proving he is human with an error-filled 75, it was a four-shot winning margin over two LIV Golf stars – the ageless Phil Mickelson being the other one.

Belying his age and current form, the 52-year-old Mickelson showed his love for the golf course where he has won three times and shot a sublime seven-under par 65. It catapulted him to tied second place at eight-under par 280, but the charge that included two birdies in his last two holes, could not prevent Rahm from getting his first Green Jacket.

The win also takes the 28-year-old back to No. 1 position in the Official World Golf Ranking. “This one is for Seve,” said a composed Rahm, who was hugged by an emotional Jose Maria Olazabal – the other two-time Masters champion from Spain – after the win.

“Hard to put it into words. Obviously, we all dream of things like this as players, and you try to visualise what it's going to feel like. And when I hit that third shot on the green, and I could tell it was close from the crowd’s reaction, the wave of emotion of so many things just overtook me. Never thought I was going to cry after winning a golf tournament, but I got very close on that 18th hole.

“And a lot of it is because of what it means to me, and to Spanish golf. And to play the way I did on Sunday, only one bogey in difficult conditions, it’s hard to explain. I am really proud of myself.”

It was a long day for Rahm, as he had to first complete 12 holes from the third round. He was four adrift when play resumed, but quickly reduced the margin on the seventh hole where he converted his nine-footer for birdie and Koepka missed a 10-footer for par.

Rahm said the only time he felt frustrated was when he missed a shot birdie putt on the 16th&nbsp;hole after making three-putt pars on the 13th&nbsp;and 15th&nbsp;holes.

“What is going on the outside is not always a reflection of the inside,” said Rahm. “I was calm. I never got frustrated, except for that stretch of holes in the morning. I never felt like anything was out of control. But obviously, you’re nervous, there is tension out there. “That’s what you strive for, right? You don’t want to panic, and I never panicked. I felt comfortable with my game, and I had a plan to execute, and that’s all I can do.”

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While Rahm was solid, Koepka found an inopportune moment to lose his touch. He made bogeys on the first three par-3 holes, and missed several putts from inside 6-10 feet range.

“Obviously, it’s super disappointing. Didn’t play good enough to win. Hit some shots where I also feel like I didn’t get some good breaks, the ball on ninth; on fourth and sixth…I hit some good shots and just ended up in terrible spots, from where it was quite difficult,” said Koepka, who improved his world ranking from 118 to No39.

Mickelson, who jumped 353 spots to inside top-100 of the world rankings at No72, was delighted with his efforts. “It was evident to me that I was hitting a lot of good shots, but I wasn’t getting the score out of it. Today was a great day for me to stay present and just keep hitting good shots,” said the three-time Masters champion.

“And I’m hopeful that this kind of catapults me into playing the rest of the year the way I believe I’m playing. I really worked hard in the off-season to get ready. Today, I kind of let it happen rather than trying to force it, and I had a really good day and made some noise. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, but it was really a lot of fun for me to play at this level again.”

American-Indian Sahith Reddy Theegala hit the shot of the day when he chipped in from the spot from where Tiger Woods hit his magic shot on the 16th&nbsp;hole in the 2005 edition. The 25-year-old, whose parents went to the US from Hyderabad, shot a five-under par 67 in the final round and was in ninth place at five-under par.

Jordan Spieth (66), Patrick Reed (68) and Russell Henley (70) were tied fourth at seven-under par.

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The late Seve Ballesteros, who inspired not just his nation, Spain, but the entire European continent, would be a proud man up there today. On his birthday, Jon Rahm, who grew up idolising the magician, won the 87th Masters in a rather imperious fashion.

The late Seve Ballesteros, who inspired not just his nation, Spain, but the entire European continent, would be a proud man up there today. On his birthday, Jon Rahm, who grew up idolising the magician, won the 87th Masters in a rather imperious fashion. Starting his final round two shots behind American Brooks Koepka, Rahm did not need any miracle shots like Seve was prone to pull off in his wins. Instead, he was rock-solid in his three-under-par 69. And with Koepka finally proving he is human with an error-filled 75, it was a four-shot winning margin over two LIV Golf stars – the ageless Phil Mickelson being the other one. Belying his age and current form, the 52-year-old Mickelson showed his love for the golf course where he has won three times and shot a sublime seven-under par 65. It catapulted him to tied second place at eight-under par 280, but the charge that included two birdies in his last two holes, could not prevent Rahm from getting his first Green Jacket. The win also takes the 28-year-old back to No. 1 position in the Official World Golf Ranking. “This one is for Seve,” said a composed Rahm, who was hugged by an emotional Jose Maria Olazabal – the other two-time Masters champion from Spain – after the win. “Hard to put it into words. Obviously, we all dream of things like this as players, and you try to visualise what it's going to feel like. And when I hit that third shot on the green, and I could tell it was close from the crowd’s reaction, the wave of emotion of so many things just overtook me. Never thought I was going to cry after winning a golf tournament, but I got very close on that 18th hole. “And a lot of it is because of what it means to me, and to Spanish golf. And to play the way I did on Sunday, only one bogey in difficult conditions, it’s hard to explain. I am really proud of myself.” It was a long day for Rahm, as he had to first complete 12 holes from the third round. He was four adrift when play resumed, but quickly reduced the margin on the seventh hole where he converted his nine-footer for birdie and Koepka missed a 10-footer for par. Rahm said the only time he felt frustrated was when he missed a shot birdie putt on the 16th hole after making three-putt pars on the 13th and 15th holes. “What is going on the outside is not always a reflection of the inside,” said Rahm. “I was calm. I never got frustrated, except for that stretch of holes in the morning. I never felt like anything was out of control. But obviously, you’re nervous, there is tension out there. “That’s what you strive for, right? You don’t want to panic, and I never panicked. I felt comfortable with my game, and I had a plan to execute, and that’s all I can do.” Also Read: 'This one was for Seve Ballesteros,' says Jon Rahm after Masters triumph While Rahm was solid, Koepka found an inopportune moment to lose his touch. He made bogeys on the first three par-3 holes, and missed several putts from inside 6-10 feet range. “Obviously, it’s super disappointing. Didn’t play good enough to win. Hit some shots where I also feel like I didn’t get some good breaks, the ball on ninth; on fourth and sixth…I hit some good shots and just ended up in terrible spots, from where it was quite difficult,” said Koepka, who improved his world ranking from 118 to No39. Mickelson, who jumped 353 spots to inside top-100 of the world rankings at No72, was delighted with his efforts. “It was evident to me that I was hitting a lot of good shots, but I wasn’t getting the score out of it. Today was a great day for me to stay present and just keep hitting good shots,” said the three-time Masters champion. “And I’m hopeful that this kind of catapults me into playing the rest of the year the way I believe I’m playing. I really worked hard in the off-season to get ready. Today, I kind of let it happen rather than trying to force it, and I had a really good day and made some noise. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, but it was really a lot of fun for me to play at this level again.” American-Indian Sahith Reddy Theegala hit the shot of the day when he chipped in from the spot from where Tiger Woods hit his magic shot on the 16th hole in the 2005 edition. The 25-year-old, whose parents went to the US from Hyderabad, shot a five-under par 67 in the final round and was in ninth place at five-under par. Jordan Spieth (66), Patrick Reed (68) and Russell Henley (70) were tied fourth at seven-under par. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jon Rahm 'Masters' Augusta

The quest for the Green Jacket is underway. The first Golfing Major of the year began earlier on Thursday at the Augusta National Golf Club. Scottie Scheffler is bidding for back-to-back titles and that will make him just the fourth man to defend a Masters title. Rory McIlroy has not won a Major since 2014 and needs to win at Augusta to complete the Grand Slam. Jon Rahm had three wins at the start of the year and the three players have made the battle for the No. 1 ranking a spectacle. Five-time winner Tiger Woods is competing this week as well in what is just his second start of the year. His great rival Phil Mickelson is making a 30th start at Augusta and remains confident about adding to the three titles he has won previously. There are 18 LIV players in the field as well and the expected cold vibes between players on both sides of the Golfing divide turned out to be a non-starter. A LIV player winning on Sunday will be a massive public relations coup for the new league. Veteran Golf writer Joy Chakravarty sets up the 87th edition of the Masters in a conversation with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

The Masters are underway...Golf's Best battle for the Green Jacket

The world's greatest golfers face each other on Thursday for the first time since the bitter LIV Golf-PGA Tour split divided the sport and appropriately it is the timeless tranquility of Augusta National that provides the arena.

Given the tradition of the Masters tournament, with the famous winner's green jacket, the striking absence of advertising, the pristine course and the palpable sense of historic significance, it is perhaps not surprising that both sides of the divide caused by the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV Golf League have been observing an informal cease-fire.

Legal battles remain to be fought and the name-calling may well resume next week but the words of those involved in the first major tournament of the year have been a refreshing acknowledgement that Augusta is no place for public squabbling.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-announce-switzerland-as-hosts-for-womens-euro-2025-to-stage-first-major-tournament-since-2008-579146">UEFA announce Switzerland as hosts for women's Euro 2025, to stage first major tournament since 2008</a>

"I think this tournament is bigger than all of that," said Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, the world number two.

"It's narrative and a storyline, but the Masters and the four major championships sit above all that noise, and that's the way it should be this week."

Not everyone received the memo. LIV Golf's chief executive officer, Greg Norman, talked in a pre-tournament interview of the entire LIV contingent being ready to crowd around the 18th green to celebrate a victory by of one of their 18 competitors.

But it was noticable that McIlroy, who has been one of the most partisan backers of the established PGA Tour, chose to practice on Tuesday with one of the top LIV contenders, American Brooks Koepka.

McIlroy has been rotating top spot in golf's rankings with current world number one Scottie Scheffler and Spaniard Jon Rahm and that trio are among the favorites to triumph on Sunday at the end of what is forecast to be a rain-affected four days.

"You've seen just a pretty high level of consistency from us so far this year," defending champion Scheffler said. "We've been pretty close to winning most of the elevated events."

McIlroy would complete the career Grand Slam with a victory on Sunday while Rahm would become the fourth Spaniard to win at Augusta after Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.

<h2>LIV has contenders</h2>

Critics might dismiss the LIV contingent as having opted for a lucrative 'retirement' from elite competition, their ranks contain plenty of players with experience at clinching major titles.

Australian Cameron Smith, the reigning British Open champion, tied for third at Augusta last year, Koepka has won four majors and Dustin Johnson, who won LIV's first season, put on the green jacket in 2020.

Three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson, 52, would be a surprise challenger at this stage of his career but Augusta always has room for nostalgia and the veterans never need reminding that in 1986, Jack Nicklaus won at the age of 46.

More recently, in 2019, Tiger Woods became the second oldest player to win the tournament, with his remarkable comeback victory at the age of 43.

Woods, though, is sadly now in the nostalgia category, his multiple injuries restricting his participation in the PGA Tour and leaving him worrying about if his body will survive four rounds and if this might be his final Masters.

"I don't know how many more I have in me," said the 15-time major winner, who was in a reflective mood.

"It's such a special place and it means so much to me in my heart to be able to come here and play this golf course and just appreciate the memories that I've had here."

Former winners Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson will get the tournament under way on Thursday with the ceremonial start.

For those wondering which of the 88 players in the field will be sliding on the green jacket as the sun sets on Sunday, it's perhaps worth recalling Nicklaus's famous reflection on the course.

"Augusta National is a young man's golf course," he said. "And you really need a young man's nerves to play on it."

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The world's greatest golfers face each other on Thursday for the first time since the bitter LIV Golf-PGA Tour split divided the sport and appropriately it is the timeless tranquility of Augusta National that provides the arena.

The world's greatest golfers face each other on Thursday for the first time since the bitter LIV Golf-PGA Tour split divided the sport and appropriately it is the timeless tranquility of Augusta National that provides the arena. Given the tradition of the Masters tournament, with the famous winner's green jacket, the striking absence of advertising, the pristine course and the palpable sense of historic significance, it is perhaps not surprising that both sides of the divide caused by the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV Golf League have been observing an informal cease-fire. Legal battles remain to be fought and the name-calling may well resume next week but the words of those involved in the first major tournament of the year have been a refreshing acknowledgement that Augusta is no place for public squabbling. Also Read: UEFA announce Switzerland as hosts for women's Euro 2025, to stage first major tournament since 2008 "I think this tournament is bigger than all of that," said Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, the world number two. "It's narrative and a storyline, but the Masters and the four major championships sit above all that noise, and that's the way it should be this week." Not everyone received the memo. LIV Golf's chief executive officer, Greg Norman, talked in a pre-tournament interview of the entire LIV contingent being ready to crowd around the 18th green to celebrate a victory by of one of their 18 competitors. But it was noticable that McIlroy, who has been one of the most partisan backers of the established PGA Tour, chose to practice on Tuesday with one of the top LIV contenders, American Brooks Koepka. McIlroy has been rotating top spot in golf's rankings with current world number one Scottie Scheffler and Spaniard Jon Rahm and that trio are among the favorites to triumph on Sunday at the end of what is forecast to be a rain-affected four days. "You've seen just a pretty high level of consistency from us so far this year," defending champion Scheffler said. "We've been pretty close to winning most of the elevated events." McIlroy would complete the career Grand Slam with a victory on Sunday while Rahm would become the fourth Spaniard to win at Augusta after Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia. LIV has contenders Critics might dismiss the LIV contingent as having opted for a lucrative 'retirement' from elite competition, their ranks contain plenty of players with experience at clinching major titles. Australian Cameron Smith, the reigning British Open champion, tied for third at Augusta last year, Koepka has won four majors and Dustin Johnson, who won LIV's first season, put on the green jacket in 2020. Three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson, 52, would be a surprise challenger at this stage of his career but Augusta always has room for nostalgia and the veterans never need reminding that in 1986, Jack Nicklaus won at the age of 46. More recently, in 2019, Tiger Woods became the second oldest player to win the tournament, with his remarkable comeback victory at the age of 43. Woods, though, is sadly now in the nostalgia category, his multiple injuries restricting his participation in the PGA Tour and leaving him worrying about if his body will survive four rounds and if this might be his final Masters. "I don't know how many more I have in me," said the 15-time major winner, who was in a reflective mood. "It's such a special place and it means so much to me in my heart to be able to come here and play this golf course and just appreciate the memories that I've had here." Former winners Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson will get the tournament under way on Thursday with the ceremonial start. For those wondering which of the 88 players in the field will be sliding on the green jacket as the sun sets on Sunday, it's perhaps worth recalling Nicklaus's famous reflection on the course. "Augusta National is a young man's golf course," he said. "And you really need a young man's nerves to play on it." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Best of the lot including LIV 'defectors' ready to face off at first Major of the year in Augusta

Brooks Koepka warmed up for next week's Masters with the second LIV Golf title of his career on Sunday after clinching a two-shot victory in the upstart circuit's Orlando event.

Four-time major champion Koepka, one of the biggest names to defect from the PGA Tour to the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit last year, fired a closing three-under 68 to claim the win at Orlando's Orange County National Course.

The 32-year-old American rattled in four birdies and one bogey to finish on 15 under and pocket the $4 million winner's prize – $1.3 million more than the winner of next week's first major of 2023 at Augusta will receive.

"I'm finally healthy and it's good to play some good golf," said Koepka, who has struggled with a litany of injuries in recent seasons.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-women-cricketers-set-to-get-huge-appraisal-in-new-mou-578480">Australia women cricketers set to get huge appraisal in new MoU</a>

"It gives me chills thinking of the capabilities of what I can do when I'm healthy. Going into next week that's what you want to see."

Koepka is the first player on the LIV Golf circuit to win two events, with his Orlando victory following on from his win at the inaugural season finale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last October.

He now heads to Augusta looking to add to his collection of major victories in buoyant mood.

"This was a good test for Augusta – the green speeds are quite fast, quite similar. If I had hit a few putts a bit harder it might have been a bit easier, but I'm just glad to get the win," Koepka said.

Koepka looked to be in control after leading by two shots with three holes to play. But Colombia's Sebastian Munoz chipped in brilliantly for birdie on the 16th to close the gap to one shot with two holes remaining.

Munoz almost stumbled fatally on the 17th after a wild bunker shot flew through the back of the green.&nbsp;

But the South American rolled in a nerveless 10-foot putt after chipping on to the green with his fourth to save par.

Koepka could have all but guaranteed victory on the 17th, but missed the chance to re-establish a two-shot lead when his 10-foot birdie putt rolled just wide.

That left the American defending a one-shot lead as they headed to the 18th and he duly parred to seal his multi-million-dollar payday.

Munoz finished alone in second on 14 under, while 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed tied for third with South Africa's Dean Burmester on 12 under after a closing 67.

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Brooks Koepka warmed up for next week's Masters with the second LIV Golf title of his career on Sunday after clinching a two-shot victory in the upstart circuit's Orlando event.

Brooks Koepka warmed up for next week's Masters with the second LIV Golf title of his career on Sunday after clinching a two-shot victory in the upstart circuit's Orlando event. Four-time major champion Koepka, one of the biggest names to defect from the PGA Tour to the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit last year, fired a closing three-under 68 to claim the win at Orlando's Orange County National Course. The 32-year-old American rattled in four birdies and one bogey to finish on 15 under and pocket the $4 million winner's prize – $1.3 million more than the winner of next week's first major of 2023 at Augusta will receive. "I'm finally healthy and it's good to play some good golf," said Koepka, who has struggled with a litany of injuries in recent seasons. Also Read: Australia women cricketers set to get huge appraisal in new MoU "It gives me chills thinking of the capabilities of what I can do when I'm healthy. Going into next week that's what you want to see." Koepka is the first player on the LIV Golf circuit to win two events, with his Orlando victory following on from his win at the inaugural season finale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last October. He now heads to Augusta looking to add to his collection of major victories in buoyant mood. "This was a good test for Augusta – the green speeds are quite fast, quite similar. If I had hit a few putts a bit harder it might have been a bit easier, but I'm just glad to get the win," Koepka said. Koepka looked to be in control after leading by two shots with three holes to play. But Colombia's Sebastian Munoz chipped in brilliantly for birdie on the 16th to close the gap to one shot with two holes remaining. Munoz almost stumbled fatally on the 17th after a wild bunker shot flew through the back of the green. But the South American rolled in a nerveless 10-foot putt after chipping on to the green with his fourth to save par. Koepka could have all but guaranteed victory on the 17th, but missed the chance to re-establish a two-shot lead when his 10-foot birdie putt rolled just wide. That left the American defending a one-shot lead as they headed to the 18th and he duly parred to seal his multi-million-dollar payday. Munoz finished alone in second on 14 under, while 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed tied for third with South Africa's Dean Burmester on 12 under after a closing 67. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Brooks Koepka wins second LIV Golf title with win in Orlando

Rory McIlroy admitted on Tuesday that the PGA Tour's top golfers were reaping the benefits of the emergence of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;circuit.

McIlroy, one of the staunchest defenders of the PGA Tour in its bitter feud with LIV over the past year, said the launch of the upstart tour had forced the US-based circuit to innovate.

The Northern Ireland star was speaking ahead of this week's Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, which will tee off on Thursday without its reigning champion Cam Smith -- who has since defected to LIV.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-kurt-kitayama-gets-maiden-pga-tour-win-at-arnold-palmer-invitational-568987">Kurt Kitayama gets maiden PGA Tour win at Arnold Palmer Invitational</a>

The PGA Tour has responded to emergence of the lucrative LIV circuit by introducing its own money-spinning no-cut events starting in 2024.

McIlroy acknowledged on Tuesday that those changes would probably not have happened had it not been for the rise of LIV&nbsp;Golf.

"I'm not going to sit here and lie; I think the emergence of LIV or the emergence of a competitor to the PGA Tour has benefited everyone that plays elite professional&nbsp;golf,"&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;told a press conference.

"I think when you've been the biggest&nbsp;golf&nbsp;league in the biggest market in the world for the last 60 years, there's not a lot of incentive to innovate.&nbsp;

"This has caused a ton of innovation at the PGA Tour. What was quite, I would say, an antiquated system is being revamped to try to mirror where we're at in the world in the 21st century with the media landscape.

"The PGA Tour isn't just competing with LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;or other sports. It's competing with Instagram and TikTok and everything else that's trying to take eyeballs away from the PGA Tour as a product.

<h2>Monahan defends 'no-cut'</h2>

"LIV coming along, it's definitely had a massive impact on the game, but I think everyone who's a professional golfer is going to benefit from it going forward."

McIlroy's remarks were mirrored by world number one Jon Rahm, who agreed that the momentum for change on the PGA Tour had been driven by LIV&nbsp;Golf's emergence.

"Without a doubt," Rahm said. "Without LIV&nbsp;Golf, this wouldn't have happened.

"So to an extent, we should be thankful this threat has made the PGA Tour want to change things. I wish it didn't come to the PGA Tour being under fire from somebody else to make those changes and make things better for the players, but I guess it is what we needed.&nbsp;

"So, yeah, it is because of LIV&nbsp;Golf. Otherwise, we wouldn't have seen any of this."

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan meanwhile defended the introduction of no-cut events from 2024, noting that the PGA Tour had held similar format tournaments in the past.

"The players that are competing in our events in this new format next year will have earned the right to compete in them and they will have earned it through top-50 position in the FedExCup this year," Monahan said.

"The PGA Tour has always had limited-field, no-cut 72-hole stroke play events. In fact, Jack Nicklaus won 17 times in that format. Arnold Palmer won 23. Tiger Woods won 26.&nbsp;

"To me, those wins, the format did not diminish those accomplishments as we sit here today. I think as we look out to 2024, 2025, 2026, the same will hold true."

LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;held its inaugural season in 2022, luring a slew of PGA Tour players and major winners with huge signing bonuses and 54-hole tournaments offering purses which dwarf the richest events on the PGA Tour.

The tour faced stinging criticism from human rights groups however who say the circuit is "sports washing" by Saudi Arabia in an attempt to improve the kingdom's international image.

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Rory McIlroy admitted on Tuesday that the PGA Tour's top golfers were reaping the benefits of the emergence of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit.

Rory McIlroy admitted on Tuesday that the PGA Tour's top golfers were reaping the benefits of the emergence of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit. McIlroy, one of the staunchest defenders of the PGA Tour in its bitter feud with LIV over the past year, said the launch of the upstart tour had forced the US-based circuit to innovate. The Northern Ireland star was speaking ahead of this week's Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, which will tee off on Thursday without its reigning champion Cam Smith -- who has since defected to LIV. Read More: Kurt Kitayama gets maiden PGA Tour win at Arnold Palmer Invitational The PGA Tour has responded to emergence of the lucrative LIV circuit by introducing its own money-spinning no-cut events starting in 2024. McIlroy acknowledged on Tuesday that those changes would probably not have happened had it not been for the rise of LIV Golf. "I'm not going to sit here and lie; I think the emergence of LIV or the emergence of a competitor to the PGA Tour has benefited everyone that plays elite professional golf," McIlroy told a press conference. "I think when you've been the biggest golf league in the biggest market in the world for the last 60 years, there's not a lot of incentive to innovate. "This has caused a ton of innovation at the PGA Tour. What was quite, I would say, an antiquated system is being revamped to try to mirror where we're at in the world in the 21st century with the media landscape. "The PGA Tour isn't just competing with LIV Golf or other sports. It's competing with Instagram and TikTok and everything else that's trying to take eyeballs away from the PGA Tour as a product. Monahan defends 'no-cut' "LIV coming along, it's definitely had a massive impact on the game, but I think everyone who's a professional golfer is going to benefit from it going forward." McIlroy's remarks were mirrored by world number one Jon Rahm, who agreed that the momentum for change on the PGA Tour had been driven by LIV Golf's emergence. "Without a doubt," Rahm said. "Without LIV Golf, this wouldn't have happened. "So to an extent, we should be thankful this threat has made the PGA Tour want to change things. I wish it didn't come to the PGA Tour being under fire from somebody else to make those changes and make things better for the players, but I guess it is what we needed. "So, yeah, it is because of LIV Golf. Otherwise, we wouldn't have seen any of this." PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan meanwhile defended the introduction of no-cut events from 2024, noting that the PGA Tour had held similar format tournaments in the past. "The players that are competing in our events in this new format next year will have earned the right to compete in them and they will have earned it through top-50 position in the FedExCup this year," Monahan said. "The PGA Tour has always had limited-field, no-cut 72-hole stroke play events. In fact, Jack Nicklaus won 17 times in that format. Arnold Palmer won 23. Tiger Woods won 26. "To me, those wins, the format did not diminish those accomplishments as we sit here today. I think as we look out to 2024, 2025, 2026, the same will hold true." LIV Golf held its inaugural season in 2022, luring a slew of PGA Tour players and major winners with huge signing bonuses and 54-hole tournaments offering purses which dwarf the richest events on the PGA Tour. The tour faced stinging criticism from human rights groups however who say the circuit is "sports washing" by Saudi Arabia in an attempt to improve the kingdom's international image. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Players reaping benefits from LIV circuit, admit Rahm, McIlroy

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