'A great result': Asian Tour welcomes PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger

Commissioner and chief executive Cho Minn Thant says agreement 'validates' Asian Tour's decision last year to link up with Saudi-backed LIV Golf

The Asian Tour has welcomed news of the merger between war's major golfing factions. AFP

The Asian Tour has welcome news of the merger between the PGA, DP World Tour and LIV Golf series, hailing it as "a massive stride forward" for the sport.

Tuesday's announcement shocked the sporting world and brings to an end golf's two-year civil war.

All litigation between the feuding parties is over.

The Asian Tour said the agreement "validates" its decision last year to link up with LIV Golf, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) that made an initial commitment of more than $200 million to the tour.

"The Asian Tour welcomed and embraced yesterday's news concerning the landmark announcement between the Public Investment Fund, the PGA TOUR and the DP World Tour," Asian Tour commissioner and chief executive Cho Minn Thant said.

"This is a massive stride forward for the game and a great result for all parties concerned: the fans, brands, broadcasters, the tours and their membership.

"This hugely significant development validates our well-documented decision to collaborate with Golf Saudi and LIV Golf to elevate the Asian Tour's standing in the game."

Separately, the PGA of Australia said it had held talks with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to "discuss the details of the agreement".

"These discussions are ongoing as we continue to ensure any new arrangements deliver positive benefits to our tour, all of our members, the entire Australasian golfing community and those who love the game," said chief executive Gavin Kirkman.