The PGA Tour has taken a significant strategic step by partnering with the Asian Tour in a new multiyear agreement set to last through at least 2029. This deal, made in conjunction with the DP World Tour—its strategic ally—will create direct pathways for leading Asian Tour players to earn status on the DP World Tour starting next season. Additionally, the DP World Tour will co-sanction select tournaments with the Asian Tour, reviving a collaboration that existed from 2016 to 2021 before LIV Golf’s entry disrupted the landscape.

LIV Golf, which launched in 2022, had invested $300 million over a decade into the Asian Tour, fostering the development of the International Series. This series elevated Asian Tour events with $2 million purses and provided avenues for players to qualify for LIV Golf, as well as earn Official World Golf Ranking points prior to LIV gaining ranking status this year. However, with five International Series events remaining in 2026, expectations are high that the Asian Tour will not renew its partnership with LIV after this season, signaling a shift away from LIV’s influence in Asia.

Asian Tour commissioner Cho Minn Thant emphasized that the timing is right for closer collaboration with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, aiming to enhance opportunities for Asian players and globalize competition. From the PGA Tour’s perspective, this partnership aligns with efforts to strengthen key national opens such as the Hong Kong, Singapore, and Philippine Opens, ultimately increasing the global footprint of golf in the region. The partnership also aims to boost player development and competitive pathways, setting the stage for shared growth and talent identification.

Despite LIV’s declining role in Asia, their spokesperson confirmed that International Series events will continue through 2026, though the overall investment status remains undisclosed. Asian Tour officials acknowledged that while some LIV-supported events have attained sustainability, reduced funding will impact future schedules. The PGA Tour’s new alliance with the Asian Tour thus represents a calculated move to undercut LIV Golf’s regional foothold and reinforce its global strategic position in professional golf.