Golf Saudi 'Indefinitely Delay' Planned Merger Between LPGA And Ladies European Tour
A merger vote - scheduled for November 2023 - was postponed at the last minute after Golf Saudi asked for "further information" on the terms of any deal
Plans for a merger between the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour were shelved last year after Golf Saudi - which has poured a significant amount of money into the latter - asked for further information on the terms of any deal before locking in its funding for the 2024 season, according to Golfweek and The Telegraph.
On November 21, 2023, LET members met at the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open ready to vote on a potential marriage with the LPGA - a deal which had been months in the making and could potentially breathe new life into a circuit which has previously been labelled as "beleaguered." Yet, the vote was adjourned by the LET board at the last minute without explanation.
However, in a letter published to the players by LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan recently obtained by Golfweek, it emerged that Golf Saudi - a division of the country's Public Investment Fund - wanted to know how a successful merger might look before "finalising their commitment to the events" on the LET's 2024 schedule.
The PIF partially owns Aramco - the state-owned petroleum and natural gas company which sponsors seven LET events with a combined $11 million prize purse. Should both parties have walked away following a positive vote towards a merger, the European-based circuit were likely to have been in serious financial trouble.
Not wanting to lose the source of almost a third of its total prize money across the entire season, the LET was forced to abandon merger plans with top tier of women's professional golf - regardless of any potential benefits it might see.
In the letter from Marcoux Samaan explaining the reasons for the vote being indefinitely postponed, she said: “As a significant partner of the LET, Golf Saudi wanted to ensure that they fully understood any risks, implications, and opportunities for the Aramco Saudi Ladies International and Aramco Team Series before finalizing their commitment to the events in 2024."
The letter went on to insist that the LET's relationship with Golf Saudi remains "constructive and collaborative" and confirmed that the Aramco Saudi Ladies International - plus the six $1 million Aramco Team Series events - will still take place this season.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
“The LET and LPGA boards have agreed to focus on maximising our joint venture rather than pursue the merger at this time,” the letter continued. The pair's joint-venture was agreed in November 2019 under the tenure of Mike Whan and still has two years remaining.
Meanwhile, in the men's professional game, talks are continuing over a merger deal between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and the PIF.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
How Does NIL Work In NCAA College Golf?
Name, image and likeness deals were given the green light by the NCAA in 2021, but how does it work in college golf?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Which Players Secured A DP World Tour Card At The 2024 Challenge Tour Grand Final?
The Challenge Tour Grand Final threw up drama yet again, as 22 players secured their playing rights and cards to the DP World Tour next season
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rio Takeda Continues Incredible Run Of Form With Lengthy Playoff Win In Home Open
Takeda added to her incredible run of form in 2024, as the Japanese star secured the TOTO Japan Classic title in a six hole playoff against Marina Alex
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Charley Hull Claims First Victory In Two Years, Chiara Tamburlini Makes History In Rookie LET Season
Both Hull and Tamburlini tasted success in Riyadh, with Hull claiming the Aramco Team Series event, whilst Tamburlini secured LET Order of Merit honors
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Two-Time Major Winner Announces She Is Winding Down Her Competitive Playing Career
After enjoying a career that has seen eight LPGA Tour titles, including two Majors, it has been revealed by Brittany Lincicome that she will start winding down her competitive career
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LPGA Tour Event Reduced To 54 Holes After Tropical Storm Kong-Rey
After Saturday's play was completely washed out due to the tropical storm, the LPGA Tour announced that the Toto Japan Classic will be reduced to 54 holes
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Full Field And Teams Confirmed Ahead Of 2024 Tournament
All 16 pairings have been unveiled ahead of the second-ever Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in December
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Curtis Cup Star Jasmine Koo Wins Third Consecutive Collegiate Title
Jasmine Koo secured the East Lake Cup to become the first USC Trojan to win three consecutive titles since 2013
By Elliott Heath Published
-
How Much Did Rio Takeda Win At The TOTO Japan Classic?
Mone Inami defends her title as the Asian Swing section of the LPGA Tour season concludes with the Toto Japan classic at Seta Golf Club
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Aramco Team Series Riyadh Prize Money Payout 2024
Alison Lee defends her title in Riyadh
By Mike Hall Published