The Historic Merger of LIV Golf and PGA Tour: Reshaping Professional Golf
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Photo Credit: ShutterstockThe LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger is a significant development in the world of professional golf, marking the end of a highly publicized rivalry between the two organizations. Announced in June 2023, the deal involves the creation of a new, unified entity that combines the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf under a single umbrella. Here’s what it means for golf moving forward:
Key Details of the Merger
Unified Entity: The merger aims to consolidate professional golf by creating a new entity with shared investments from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, which has heavily backed LIV Golf, and other stakeholders in the PGA and DP World Tours.
Financial Resources: The Saudi PIF is committing significant capital to the new organization, which could lead to increased prize purses, enhanced global events, and greater financial opportunities for players.
Governance: While the PGA Tour will hold a majority voting interest in the new entity, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of PIF, will serve as the chairman.
Efforts to Unify Golf: Proponents believe that the merger will end the contentious split in professional golf, with players who previously defected to LIV Golf potentially regaining eligibility to compete in PGA Tour events.
Global Expansion: The partnership opens doors for greater international tournaments, fostering the globalization of the sport.
Controversy Over Funding: Critics such as Human Rights Watch have raised concerns about the merger, citing "sportswashing" by Saudi Arabia to improve its global image through investments in sports.
Players who remained loyal to the PGA Tour may feel conflicted about the deal, especially given that many were critical of LIV Golf. No active PGA Tour player fought harder against the existential crisis LIV Golf created than Rory McIlroy. As more and more big names defected from the PGA to join the Saudi-backed league, McIlroy stopped the Tour from running off the tracks with an extreme effort – one critics have claimed to be “Spider-Man like.” “I’ve made my peace with it,” said McIlroy rather unconvincingly in an explosive press conference the day after the merger was announced. “I’ve seen what’s happened in other sports and businesses. I’ve just resigned myself to the fact this is going to happen. How do you keep up with people who have more money than anyone else?”
McIlroy expressed his disappointment in deeply personal terms. ”It’s hard for me not to sit up here and feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb,” he admitted. “I still hate LIV, I hate them. I hope it goes away and I fully expect that it does….All I’ve tried to do is protect what the PGA Tour stands for and I think you will see that going forward.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement of golf’s new landscape from one of the sport’s most visible and talented stars.
McIlroy may get his wish, however. It seems the merger will put an eventual expiration date on LIV Golf. But that also means creating a process to welcome back the PGA players who defected — proving that PGA Tour Commissioner JayMonahan’s threats of lifetime bans were all talk. “We can’t just let these guys back in and pretend like nothing has happened,” McIlroy insisted. “These guys irreparably damaged the PGA Tour and started litigation against us. They’re not just coming straight back in, that’s what [Monahan] was trying to get across yesterday.”
One idea that McIlroy floated was to compensate the PGA Tour players who turned down tens of millions in the name of staying loyal to their circuit, though he has no strategy regarding how that would work. Yet McIlroy also supported Monahan during his press conference, saying that he’s worked more closely with the commissioner than most golfers ever have and that “the future of the PGA Tour looks brighter.” Maybe so, but it’s clear from McIlroy’s tone that some wounds will take a long time to heal.
The merger has drawn mixed reactions from players, fans, and analysts. Monahan said, “This transformational partnership recognizes the immeasurable strength of the PGA Tour’s history, legacy, and pro-competitive model.” Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF Saudi Arabia, expressed a commitment to respecting golf’s legacy while extending its reach. “Today is a very exciting day for this special game and the people it touches around the world,” he said. “We are proud to partner with the PGA TOUR to leverage PIF’s unparalleled success and track record of unlocking value and bringing innovation and global best practices to business and sectors worldwide. We are committed to unifying, promoting and growing the game of golf around the world and offering the highest-quality product to the many millions of long-time fans globally, while cultivating new fans.” Calling the LIV model “positively transformative for golf,” he shared his belief that “there are opportunities for the game to evolve while also maintaining its storied history and tradition. This partnership represents the best opportunity to extend and increase the impact of golf for all. We look forward to collaborating with Jay and Keith to bring the best version of the game to communities around the world.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the Board of Directors of the new entity will oversee and direct all of its golf-related commercial operations, businesses, and investments. The new entity will work to ensure a cohesive schedule of events that will be exciting for fans, sponsors and all stakeholders. PIF will initially be the exclusive investor in the new entity, alongside the PGA TOUR, LIV Golf and the DP World Tour. Going forward, PIF will have the exclusive right to further invest in the new entity, including a right of first refusal on any capital that may be invested in the new entity, including into the PGA TOUR, LIV Golf and DP World Tour. The PGA TOUR will appoint a majority of the Board and hold a majority voting interest in the combined entity.
Separately, PGA TOUR Inc. will remain in place as a 501(c)(6) tax exempt organization and retain administrative oversight of events for those assets contributed by the PGA TOUR, including the sanctioning of events, the administration of the competition and rules, as well as all other “inside the ropes” responsibilities, with Jay Monahan as Commissioner and Ed Herlihy as PGA TOUR Policy Board Chairman. PIF’s Al-Rumayyan will join the PGA TOUR Policy Board. The DP World Tour and LIV Golf will retain similar administrative oversight of events on their respective Tours.
The Board of Directors of the new commercial entity will include Al-Rumayyan as Chairman and Monahan as Chief Executive Officer; the new entity’s Board will also include an Executive Committee comprising Al-Rumayyan, Monahan, Herlihy and PGA TOUR Policy Board member Jimmy Dunne. The full Board will be announced at a later date, and it is anticipated that all three founding members will have representation. Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, said “This is a momentous day. 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. Together we will be stronger than ever and well positioned to continue to bring the game to all corners of the globe. To partner in this new entity and influence the growth of the game for all our DP World Tour members is energizing and exciting.” All parties will work in the months to come to finalize terms of the agreement, with details to be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods and other prominent figures have yet to fully weigh in on the implications. The long-term effects of the merger will depend on how the unified entity integrates operations and addresses ethical concerns surrounding its funding. However, this move has profoundly reshaped the landscape of professional golf.
Lachlan Isaacs is a senior at Scarsdale High School. He rowed for 5 years before getting injured and channeled the time spent on the water to the page. He also reports on sports for the SHS Maroon magazine and is passionate about sports and traveling.
New Rochelle Police Report Carjacking Incident and an Arrest for Animal Cruelty
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On December 21 the New Rochelle Police Department received a report of a carjacking that occurred on Bridge Street. The incident involved a 21-year-old female resident of New Rochelle who was forcibly removed from her vehicle by unknown assailants.
At approximately 2:24pm on December 21st, the victim was waiting in her parked car for a friend when she was approached by at least two suspects. The perpetrators forcibly ejected the woman from her vehicle before stealing it and fleeing the scene. The victim reported that there may have been up to two additional suspects involved in the incident.
The victim was able to provide a limited description of one suspect, noting that he was wearing a bright-colored jacket. New Rochelle Police detectives are working diligently to gather more detailed descriptions and any available surveillance footage from the area.
Investigators believe this carjacking may be linked to an earlier incident on the same day, where a stolen vehicle was involved in a collision with two other cars before its occupants fled on foot. The connection between these events is currently under investigation.
The New Rochelle Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety, especially when alone in vehicles. We recommend keeping doors locked, being aware of your surroundings, and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.
Anyone with information related to this incident or the suspects involved is strongly encouraged to contact the New Rochelle Police Department at 914-654-2300. Anonymous tips can be submitted through our confidential tip line at 914-632-COPS.
Animal Cruelty
The New Rochelle Police Department, in collaboration with local ASPCA officers, has successfully concluded an investigation into a shocking case of animal cruelty, resulting in the arrest of a suspect.
On December 6th, 2024, a 41-year-old male New Rochelle resident reported to the police that his dog had been taken and killed by an acquaintance who was temporarily staying at his apartment. The complainant alleged that the suspect, identified as Benjamin Tyler, 39 years of age of New Milford, CT, had not only taken the dog but also dismembered it and disposed of the remains in various garbage locations around New Rochelle.
New Rochelle Police Detectives, working closely with ASPCA officers, immediately launched a thorough investigation into this disturbing incident. Their diligent efforts led to the acquisition of an arrest warrant for the suspect.
On December 23, 2024, Tyler turned himself in to the New Rochelle Police Department. He is currently in custody and facing charges related to animal cruelty.
The New Rochelle Police Department would like to remind the public that animal cruelty is a serious crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We encourage citizens to report any suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect to local law enforcement or animal welfare organizations.
Arrested: Benjamin Tyler, 39 years of age, of New Milford, CT
Charges: New York State Agricultural and Markets Law Section: 353-A Aggravated Cruelty to Animals – Felony
A Holiday Celebration in Scarsdale Village
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You couldn’t help but smile at the Light the ‘Dale tree lighting in Scarsdale Village on Friday night December 6, 2024. Young, old and everyone in between bundled up for the brisk 30 degrees weather but many felt it was preferable to last year’s rain. With hats, mittens, hot cocoa and warm pretzels, the chilly air was embraced.
The celebration ceremony kicked off with Scarsdale High School’s A capella group For Good Measure singing a variety of holiday carols including Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. In their finale, they harmonized “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” as the original Santa rolled in on a big red firetruck. He greeted the crowd and went straight to the lottery hopper to pick a winner who would flip the switch on the holiday lights and tree. Sue Oricchio, from Scarsdale’s Recreation Department, commented that 110 children pre-registered to have their name on a ticket that was placed in the lottery hopper. Santa drew out the winning ticket and William Zhu, a 7 year-old Quaker Ridge resident who just turned 8 on December 8th, was selected for this honor. He was extremely excited and bounced to his spot up front by the switch waiting patiently for his cue.
Christmas Carols from the SHS A Capella Group "For Good Measure:
Brian Gray, Superintendent of the Recreational Department welcomed everyone to the evening's event and introduced Rabbi Blake of Westchester Reform Temple to give the holiday prayer. Mayor Justin Arest then thanked everyone for coming and for the Rec Department for organizing this wonderful event. He invited Scarsdale Police Department Chief Andrew Matturro to the podium to light the Menorah. Chief Matturro was recognized for this honor for his 36 year service on the force as he will retire next month. Still waiting patiently, it was finally William’s turn to switch on the lights. Ahhhhhh, went the crowd.
But that was only the beginning of the evening events. Adjacent to the now brightly lit tree, Santa stationed himself in a tent, in a big red chair next to a red sleigh while children and adults waited to tell him what they wanted for Christmas and take a photo too.
Tents lined Boniface Circle with holiday goodies like hot cocoa, hot pretzels, popcorn, food trucks, holiday stickers, face painting with artists from Team Fun Circus and an amazing horticultural activity sponsored by the Weinberg Nature 
William Zhu lit the tree.Center. At this tent, children and adults could plant seeds and choose from native ferns, red clover and wildflowers, all non toxic and pet friendly. The wildflower option was by far the most popular.
There was a Toys for Tots truck and further up Spencer Place was the Scarsdale Rec Department’s Polar Express Depot. Here children and parents waited for a ride that went down scenic Harwood Court with lighted blow ups lining both sides of the street. Right before the Polar Express circled back to the depot the riders would be hit with snow flurries making the trip magically festive.
The 2-hour event went very fast and was jam packed and full of excitement for the holiday season.
The only Grinch moment was the parking that was hard to come by.
The Polar Express
Greenacres Third Grader Gigi Palese and her mom.
Lawmakers Ask Federal Government to Identify Source of Drones over Westchester
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(Updated December 18, 2024) It seems that our lawmakers are just as stumped as we are about the origin of the drones that have been sighted in Westchester, New Jersey and beyond.
On December 18, State Assemblymember Amy Paulin said,"I am in touch with the FBI. They are doing an active investigation and will get back to me and the Mayor when it is completed."
At a weekly media briefing on December 17, 2024, County Executive George Latimer read aloud the following letter that he has sent to President Biden asking the government to identify the source of the drones and publicize the facts.
See below:
Honorable Joseph R. Biden
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Biden,
I have spoken to many throughout Westchester County who express fear and concern regarding the recent drone sightings. Residents are worried that their government is unable to identify these drones; they express trepidation over holiday travel to see and receive family, particularly from the Westchester County Airport, after Stewart International Airport in Orange County was shut down for an hour due to concerns over these drones. Our residents are in need of more information regarding these drones.
With an absence of answers, our residents are vulnerable to insidious conspiracy theories or solutions peddled by fringe ideologues. I believe, as I know you do, that it is our government’s responsibility to inform its people, and to protect them from those who would mislead them – intentionally or otherwise.
As such, I ask that your administration intervene to identify the source of these drones, and that your administration work to publicize the facts. In the documented cases where these drones have been manned aircraft operating within the boundaries of the law, I would ask that you further publicize these sightings; perhaps providing a clearinghouse to respond to the fear and misinformation which is filling the absence of a broader explanation.
I additionally support Senator Schumer’s proposed solution to deploy advanced drone detection technology; such technology would allow a more rapid response to issues similar to these in the future and could help identify these drones and alleviate many of our residents’ concerns.
As always, thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of Westchester’s residents, and on behalf of our shared federal union.
Sincerely,
George Latimer
Westchester County Executive Congressman-elect for NYCD16
Village Streets to Be Closed December 5 and 6 for Light the 'Dale Celebration
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If you're planning to attend the Light the 'Dale tree lighting and celebration in Scarsdale Village at 5 pm on Friday, you might want to ask someone to drop you off. Due to street closures, parking will be very limited, and it will be tough to get a spot near the festivities.
Here's an announcement from the Village of Scarsdale outlining street closings beginning on Thursday December 5 and extending through the event on Friday night through Saturday December 7, 2024 at 10 am.
Light the ‘Dale Celebration: Road Closures Thursday, December 05, through Saturday at 10 AM
In preparation for Scarsdale’s Light the ‘Dale event on Friday, December 06 in the Village Center, Boniface Circle will be closed starting at 5 AM tomorrow, Thursday, December 05 and will remain closed until Saturday, December 07 at 10 AM. Meter bagging in Boniface Circle will also occur at 5 AM on Thursday.
Meter bagging will occur on Chase Road between Christie Place and Popham Road at 9 PM on Thursday, December 05. The Village is bagging meters to prevent overnight parking. Please do not park in any space with a bagged meter, as such spaces must be vacant when the roads are closed.
Harwood Court at Spencer Place will be closed to vehicular traffic at 12 PM on Friday, December 06 and parking meters will be bagged. In addition, Chase Road between Christie Place and Popham Road will be closed at 2:30 PM. Closures on Spencer Place and Chase Road will remain in effect until the conclusion of the Light the ‘Dale event at approximately 7 PM on Friday, December 06. Meter bags will be removed at this time as well.
Be sure to join us Friday evening for this festive community event featuring music, food, and fun for all ages!
