Much has been written about the fate of LIV Golf over the last few weeks. But with the investment they’ve made in the Asian Tour, another big question is what the future holds for them.
Flushing It Golf spoke with executives at LIV Golf Andalucia about their plans, and they are committed to utilising The International Series on the Asian Tour to help elevate national opens across the globe as LIV Golf 2.0 develops. In fact, several senior players even mentioned, unprompted, the importance of building it within the potential 2027 schedule.
However, members on the Asian Tour admit although they are very happy with the success of the partnership so far, there were concerns when the LIV Golf backed purse increase of the Kolon Korean Open was pulled at the last minute, and they want options left open amid the uncertainty.
Flushing It Golf reached out to the Asian Tour and they offered this official comment:
“LIV Golf have been a terrific partner for the Asian Tour over the past five years – facilitating the creation of The International Series, which has been hugely successful. These premium events have added a new dimension to our tour, boasting world-class fields competing for elevated prizemoney at outstanding venues. In particular, the initiative has afforded us the opportunity to travel to exciting new markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. We look forward to seeing the remainder of The International Series events played out on the Asian Tour this season.
“Our senior leadership are in constant dialogue with stakeholders and partners on how best to move forward and build on the successes over the past five years. We are very confident that solutions will be found that are in the best interests of our members and partners. They will pave the way for a strong schedule to be in place for 2027 and ensure long-term growth.
“We look forward to providing updates over the next few months and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate through to the next cycle.”
The International Series are fantastic tournaments and have without question helped offer more opportunities for golf in the Asian Tour region. Several players, like Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe, have completely changed their life by qualifying for the LIV Golf League. And fans all across the globe have been able to see star players in the flesh.
If LIV Golf is to succeed going forward, they desperately need authentic pathway systems to create and elevate their own stars. They simply cannot afford to buy them in anymore. The Asian Tour offers that, but LIV Golf are not the only tour interested in strengthening links with the region.
In fact, Flushing It Golf understands the PGA Tour attempted to form a much closer relationship with the Asian Tour several years ago, with an offer made to create a formal partnership, but that was rejected by the board. A few years later, the Asian Tour then partnered with LIV Golf in a deal worth $300 million.
It’s entirely possible though that the PGA Tour, along with the DP World Tour, will sense weakness and now look to make another approach to grow their global pathway system. This leaves the Asian Tour in a position where they have multiple options available.
No matter what happens to their partnership with LIV Golf, the Asian Tour will be just fine. CEO and Commissioner Cho Minn Thant will continue to do whatever possible to elevate golf in the region and offer opportunities for professional golfers from all around the globe.
@asiantourgolf@intseriesgolf
Yeah the phone thing is ridiculous but I know plenty of golfers, ppl who meet play board games every week, are in book clubs, lots of gardeners, home chefs, artists, charity volunteers, ppl who hunt and fish, off roaders, Bible study etc etc etc. People still do things.
@newstart_2024 Restaurant/catering for 35 years. Upper class never talk about or compliment the food they're served. Middle class that's all they talk about. Lower class similar to upper.