The PGA Tour and LIV Golf look certain to continue going their separate ways in the 2026 season, with no sign of a merger in sight.
Both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are making big changes for their respective new seasons, which get underway in early 2026.
Fewer Korn Ferry Tour players will earn a PGA Tour card next time out, while LIV Golf events will be 72 holes instead of 54.
The rivals are also led by two relatively new figures, with Brian Rolapp in charge of the PGA Tour and Scott O’Neil leading LIV Golf.
However, one significant direct link between the two tours has now emerged in light of LIV Golf’s recent announcement about its Promotions event.
PGA Tour criticized for ‘stupid’ decision after LIV Golf’s announcement
Given that it will be played in Florida, any player with PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions or Korn Ferry status is subject to disciplinary action if they decide to take part.
And golf fans are not happy with the PGA Tour regarding its decision, with one writing on X: “Stupid! Let’s move on and get tours together!”
A second agreed: “The worst part is the penalising of players that aren’t even a member, total moral bankruptcy from the PGAT!”
And a third concurred: “So bad for golf. PGA has to accept that LIV now has market share and they need to get some terms set out, for the game! It’s not going to go back to the PGA monopoly they once had.”
Other angry golf fans commented: “By trying to preserve their brand, the PGA Tour is actually destroying it,” and “This is so stupid. They are independent contractors. The golfers should literally just sue the PGA.”
And another frustrated golf fan said: “The PGA Tour does not even have an event that week. They need to make the players salaried employees if they’re going to do this.”
READ MORE: The PGA Tour are making a risky rule change which could push players into joining LIV Golf
What is the revamped LIV Golf Promotions event?
The LIV Golf Promotions event is set to take place at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida in mid January.
It will result in two players earning a spot into the 2026 LIV Golf season, having previously involved just one spot.
But the major change which has forced the PGA Tour to take serious action is the new location of the tournament.
Now held in North America, the previous two editions were held in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia respectively.
Players who had PGA Tour status then were allowed to play only if they sought a release before the tour’s deadline.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
