RALEIGH, N.C. — A tentative deal could put the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and the DP World Tour under one umbrella.

PGA Tour officials said last month that they would partner with LIV Golf and the DP World Tour. The proposed partnership comes after the PGA Tour and LIV Golf were involved in legal disputes with each other regarding antitrust claims.

What You Need To Know

  • The PGA Tour, LIV Golf and the DP World Tour could collaborate under one umbrella 

  • The tentative deal raises concerns 

  •  Each group said the agreement would unify the game of golf after being involved in legal disputes against each other

Each group said the agreement would unify the game of golf.

“We are delighted to be able to not only reignite our relationship with PIF, but also to have the opportunity to build on our current Strategic Alliance partnership with the PGA Tour," Chief Executive of the DP World Tour Keith Pelley said. "Together we will be stronger than ever and well positioned to continue to bring the game to all corners of the globe.”

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said this will bring forth a new era in global golf.

“This transformational partnership recognizes the immeasurable strength of the PGA Tour’s history, legacy and pro-competitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV – including the team golf concept – to create an organization that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners and fans," Monahan. 

Read the announcement here

The LIV Golf series began in 2022 and is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, also known as PIF.

“We are pleased to move forward, in step with LIV and PIF’s world-class investing experience," Monahan said.

Now that there's a tentative deal on the table, concerns have been stirred up. 

Jimmy Hamilton, director of instruction at the Golf Academy at Wildwood Green and head women’s golf coach at Meredith College, said he doesn’t think establishing a partnership under one umbrella is the best situation.

“I believe the PGA Tour found themselves in a bit of a dilemma, like we are going to run our coffers dry if we continue to try to fund these events as we have this year,” Hamilton said.

The PGA of America member said he worries about the small tours and the young players if golf becomes too consolidated.

"It might decrease some competitive opportunities for players that are very talented and that would be unfortunate,” Hamilton said.

This announcement also stirred thoughts from 9/11 families who are unhappy with the merger because its ties to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Details still need to be ironed out surrounding all of this. At this time, they haven’t announced a name of what this new merged group will be called.

The U.S. Department of Justice will investigate the planned partnership over antitrust concerns, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Meanwhile, Hamilton said he thinks passionate golfers will continue to enjoy watching the game they love, even if this partnership is set in stone.

He said something to note is that the PGA of America is different than the PGA Tour. The PGA of America is made up of club professionals and assistants, those who teach people how to play. The PGA Tour is a separate entity made up of touring professionals who are playing for money.