Golf Saudi behind indefinite delay of proposed merger of LPGA and LET

[ahenderX]

Golf Monthly reports that Golf Saudi is the reason the Ladies European Tour (LET) pulled out at the last minute its planned vote to merge with the LPGA. The vote was to take place November 2023. Golf Saudi funds the Aramco Series of LET events. At the time, LET provided no explanation of its decision. It’s now known that Golf Saudi wanted to know the details of the merger. With 1/3 of LET’s total purses tied to the Aramco Series, it’s safe to say Saudi Golf now controls LET.

 

Golf Saudi 'Indefinitely Delay' Planned Merger Between LPGA And Ladies European Tour

Edited January 29 by ahenderX

[PedronNiall]

Seems there's a continuation on all fronts to get Saudi interests in control of global sports. Not surprising they hold so much sway given the money they pump into the LET and that I doubt the LPGA has the pull to swing replacement dollars even with the increased purses it's managed over the past years. 

 

With PIF being able to strong-arm the PGA into a merger this isn't much of a shock that they can push the LPGA out of one. Certainly unclear how golf as a whole will look in years to come with money becoming almost the sole factor in how much of it is shaped.