The PGA Tour and the LPGA on Friday announced a broad strategic alliance that could potentially create a tournament with both PGA Tour and LPGA players competing in the same event. According to LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan, the initiative will address four shared business areas -- the possibility of creating a joint LPGA-PGA Tour event, having the PGA Tour rep the LPGA for its domestic TV rights, growing both tour's grass-roots programs and collaborating on digital media efforts between the properties. Whan said, "These are areas we want to figure out and see where it goes. We could come together for both the men and women to play in the same event. That is the question on the table." No timetable has been set for any of the areas under discussion as part of the alliance. Whan added, "Nothing is happening tomorrow. The key point is a way to collaborate to raise the LPGA’s profile. It is created to grow the game." PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem in a statement said that the Tour and the LPGA are already collaborating on growing golf through joint efforts on the Olympics and the World Golf Foundation . He added, "Extending our relationship with the LPGA into these new areas is a natural extension of this work and collaboration.” The LPGA’s TV deal with Golf Channel ends in '20. Whan said that he will look at the possibility of having the PGA Tour rep the LPGA for a new deal. Whan: "There is nothing in the short term. We are both working on a lot of what-ifs."
