In a world where all major golf tours unite to host global tournaments outside the United States, LIV Golf professional Adrian Meronk sees potential. The Polish golfer, in conversation with Golf Digest, mentioned that a unified global tour that excludes the U.S. might actually benefit the sport. He pointed out that the PGA Tour already has a robust presence in the U.S., adding, “It wouldn’t be the worst thing if the PGA Tour went its own way and everyone else got together and created a worldwide tour everywhere except the United States.”
This idea was met with sharp criticism from some PGA Tour players. Max Homa, known for his quick wit, responded sarcastically, remarking, “I for one think this is genius and am shocked no one has thought of it before.” Michael S. Kim, another PGA Tour pro, simply responded with a laughing “LOL,” indicating his skepticism.
Meronk’s vision seems somewhat akin to the DP World Tour, which, despite being headquartered in Wentworth, already holds tournaments worldwide, including Australia, Singapore, India, and various countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Meronk might be suggesting that LIV Golf’s partnership with the Asian Tour could serve as a model for such international collaboration. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) financially backs a series of ten top-tier events across Asia and Europe, which could support a more global approach.
The idea of a global golf tour has been gaining traction, especially amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding a proposed $3 billion merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Rory McIlroy also proposed a similar idea earlier in the year, suggesting that national majors could fall under a unified global umbrella, although he envisioned a version that included the PGA Tour. Meronk’s suggestion diverges here, emphasizing a world tour that would not involve the U.S.
The PGA Tour itself has dabbled in global event ideas, as seen with the now-discontinued World Golf Championships (WGCs), which failed to capture interest partly due to American players’ reluctance to travel internationally. This lack of enthusiasm reflects the current reality: the largest golf market remains in the U.S., followed by strong support in regions of Asia, Australia, and Europe.
While a revival of international events like the WGCs could prove profitable, the challenge lies in convincing top players to travel internationally more frequently. The proposed merger might change these dynamics, but animosity between the tours remains, with players like Wyndham Clark openly expressing their reluctance to welcome all LIV golfers back onto the PGA Tour.
As the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s leaders navigate the complexities of their potential agreement, the idea of a truly global tour—whether with or without the PGA Tour—remains an intriguing possibility in the golf world.