PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Asian Tour Form Strategic Alliance, Challenging LIV Golf’s Asian Presence

The PGA Tour, the DP World Tour (the commercial name of the European Tour) and the Asian Tour signed a strategic partnership that takes effect immediately and runs through 2029. The agreement creates a pathway for Asian Tour members to compete in European circuits and guarantees at least two co-sanctioned Asian Tour events each year for the next three seasons. The alliance was finalized during meetings at the Open Championship and is presented as a step toward a more connected global golf ecosystem.

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Since its launch in 2022, LIV Golf has maintained a relationship with the Asian Tour, investing $300 million to launch the “International Series” with prize purses of up to $2 million. Winners have included Peter Uihlein, Carlos Ortiz and David Puig. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, the league’s primary backer, announced it will cease funding after the 2026 season. Concurrently, Canadian-based Mobii Systems Group filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Miami alleging LIV Golf failed to pay $925,100 in technology fees and $209,531 in lost revenue for the remaining six 2026 events. The claim references an email dated May 25 in which LIV’s senior vice president of technology, Nick Connor, indicated the league would stop using the disputed “Any Shot, Any Time” technology after the South Korea event that concluded on May 31.

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The alliance is viewed as a setback for LIV Golf, potentially reducing its influence in Asia as co-sanctioned events shift toward the PGA and DP World Tours. The lawsuit by Mobii Systems adds financial pressure, while the withdrawal of Saudi funding raises questions about LIV’s viability beyond 2026. On July 21, 2026, golfer Rory McIlroy praised the collaboration on social media, reflecting broader support among established players for the three-tour partnership.

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• “We feel the time is now right to collaborate with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour to enhance the Asian Tour for our members, fans and partners,” — Cho Minn Thant, commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour

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• “ "Through our strategic alliance with the DP World Tour, we have worked to build a more connected global golf ecosystem, and we are excited to welcome the Asian Tour into that effort," Hardy said.” — Christian Hardy, the senior vice president of international for the PGA Tour

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