LIV Effect: PGA Tour Partnering With LPGA For Mixed Team Events, Starting in 2023

0
Lexi Thompson and Bryson DeChambeau
Lexi Thompson and playing partner Bryson DeChambeau stand on the 4th tee box during the final round of the Franklin Templeton Shootout at Tiburon Golf Club on Dec 10, 2016 in Naples, Fla. (Photo by Chris Trotman via Getty Images)

The PGA Tour clearly did not like the accolades the funders of LIV Golf were getting from the woman tour players when they started spreading around millions on the European Ladies Tour, so they promptly closed off any opportunities for a LIV relationship with the LPGA.

Similar to their deal with the European Tour, the PGA Tour is working on an “exclusive” multi-year partnership with the LPGA.

According to sources, the American ladies tour will co-sanction the QBE Shootout event, starting in 2023, as well as a future Ryder cup style format, possibly even changing the Presidents Cup to mixed team event.

“With LIV existing, the Presidents Cup is clearly watered down,” said the source. “This reset would allow the International team to include Europe since its different format than Ryder Cup.

“Think a USA team comprised of Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Danielle Kang, Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson against an International team led by Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm, Minjee Lee, Brooke Henderson and Lydia Ko.”

PGA Tour management let players know about the upcoming changes, and yet to be announced deal, ahead of last week’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

The 2023 QBE will be the tour’s first mixed format event since the now defunct JC Penney Classic, which was last contested in 1999.

Advertisement

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your name here