Golf chief opens up on decision to walk away from LIV partnership

The chief executive of the Asian Tour has opened up on the decision to walk away from its partnership with LIV Golf. 

LIV suffered another blow in July when it was announced that the Asian Tour had struck a deal with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. 

The International Series has provided a pathway to LIV since its launch, with the leading player at the end of each season earning promotion.

Several former PGA Tour players have also competed on the Asian Tour in recent years after being suspended by the North American circuit. 

But going forward, the PGA and DP World Tours will partner with the Asian Tour to provide commercial and playing opportunities. 

It was a move that Masters champion Rory McIlroy described as positive. 

Asian Tour chief executive Cho Minn Thant opened up on the reasons behind the decision a Q&A. 

Thant said that the deal was struck over a series of meetings during the week of the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. 

"The PIF's change in golf investment strategy caught everyone by surprise, and since the end of April we worked closely with LIV Golf CEO, Scott O'Neil, and his team to find potential solutions," he said. 

"We were actually in the process of renewing the partnership for another five years before the landscape shifted dramatically which necessitated exploring other avenues. 

"Unfortunately, with half of the season having already been played, time was very much against us in preparing for the remainder of 2026 and planning for the 2027 season. 

"There was an option of trying to operate the Tour independently but ultimately a partnership with the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour made the most sense because of the commercial support, new events, pathways for our members and most importantly stability and longevity.

"The discussions culminated during the week of The Open. 

"During a week when most of the viewing public are focused on the on-course action at the final men's major championship of the year, behind the scenes it is a very important week for the global golf community. 

"We were delighted to have secured our new partnership during that week."

Thant added that he still hopes to see LIV Golf players participate in Asian Tour events. 

"We are looking forward to working collaboratively with the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour again," he added. 

"It is clear that the landscape of professional golf is again changing and we have to adapt accordingly. 

"Gaining some historically significant events in the region through co-sanctioning with the DP World Tour is very beneficial for us as well as collaborations on a media and commercial level."

Asked about the prospect of playing opportunities for PGA Tour members, Thant added: "As I mentioned the landscape of men's professional golf is changing and particularly for the PGA Tour regarding their new event structure beginning 2028. 

"We are hoping to see some sort of pathway for our members alongside a road to the DP World Tour."