Field Level Media
07 Jun 2023, 00:25 GMT+10
History over histrionics, tradition over tension, golf appears to be back on the same fairway.
That's the take from Masters chairman Fred Ridley, who opted not to extend an invitation to LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman for the 2023 Masters to minimize the drama but is now endorsing the merger of the two leagues announced Tuesday.
Ridley -- named in an antitrust suit filed by LIV players -- said in April when explaining his decision to welcome 18 players from LIV that he looked forward to a day when golf could be viewed in terms other than two competing factions. Augusta National was also part of the antitrust probe launched by the Department of Justice this year.
On Tuesday, LIV Golf and the PGA Tour announced a truce that would dissolve standing litigation and unite top players from the rival leagues.
"As we have expressed previously, what makes golf special is its rich history and ability to bring people together. We are encouraged by this announcement, which represents a positive development in bringing harmony to men's professional golf," Ridley said in a statement. "Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament are -- and will remain -- devoted to developing the game and celebrating its many virtues."
Martin Slumbers, CEO of the Royal Ancient (RA), welcomed the announcement. The RA governs golf outside of the United States and Mexico and oversees The Open Championship in July. Slumbers would have been set to host defending champion Cam Smith of LIV in a field loaded with PGA Tour players -- including third-place finisher in 2022, Rory McIlroy -- and DP Tour players.
"We are pleased that an agreement has been reached which will help men's professional golf move forward in a collaborative, constructive and innovative fashion," Slumbers said. "We care deeply about golf's future and are committed to ensuring that the sport continues to thrive for many years to come. This agreement represents a huge step toward achieving that goal for golf and we look forward to working with the new entity for the benefit of the sport globally."
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Mexico City Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Mexico City Sun.
More InformationSANTIAGO, CHILE — Chilean authorities said they restored power to most homes on Wednesday, hours after a massive, rare blackout caused...
(Photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images) Top-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia survived a day of upsets at the Dubai Tennis Championships,...
Dr. Jose Gregorio Hernandez — known as the doctor of the poor — will soon become Venezuela's first saint. Pope Francis, the first...
New Delhi [India], February 26 (ANI): Special Secretary (ER&DPA) and India's Alternate Sherpa for BRICS, P Kumaran, addressed the 1st...
SANTIAGO, CHILE — A sweeping blackout hit Chile on Tuesday, stranding commuters, knocking out traffic lights, paralyzing countless...
Guwahati (Assam) [India], February 25 (ANI): Heads of Mission, along with their spouses and diplomats from 60 nations, who visited...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland must significantly increase its defense budget to protect critical infrastructure, including undersea cables...
RFE/RL's Live Briefinggives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western military aid to...
A high-end version of the traditional green card will be offered for $5 million, the US president has said ...
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central...
Kech [Pakistan] February 26 (ANI): Two brothers have allegedly been apprehended by Pakistani forces in Balochistan's Kech district...
Washington DC [USA], February 26 (ANI): Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is likely to travel to the US for a prospective deal...