What Tour leaders and players are saying about the merger

PGA Tour officials and LIV leaders welcomed Tuesday’s announcement that their competitive golf series would join forces, but players were divided over the news. This is what they said:

“After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love.” — PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahanwho is expected to be the CEO of the new entity.

“There is no doubt that the LIV model has positively changed golf. We believe there are opportunities for the game to evolve while at the same time preserving its storied history and tradition.” — The Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasir Al-Rumayyanwho will become chairman of the board of the merged tour.

“Great day today.” — Phil Mickelsonwho left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf.

“There’s nothing like finding out via Twitter that we’re merging with a tour we said we’d never do.” — Mackenzie HughesPGA Tour player.

“Very curious how many people knew this deal was going on. About 5-7 people? Player-run organization, right? — Michael KimPGA Tour player.

“Welfare Check on Chamblee.” – LIV golfer Brooks Koepka, referring to Brandel Chamblee, a Golf Channel analyst who has sharply criticized the LIV Tour. Last week, Chamblee had declared that “any concession to or agreement with them is a deal with a murderous dictator.”

“Now that we’re all friends, is it too late for us to practice some of these team names?” — Max HomePGA Tour player, referring to LIV teams as Crushers, Iron Heads and Majesticks.