The PGA of Australia had been silent since Norman, whose name is associated with Australia's most prestigious annual golf award, launched the competing LIV Golf circuit in England earlier this month.

"The PGA of Australia fully supports the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour as they continue to bring the global golf ecosystem together," chief executive Gavin Kirkman said in a statement to AFP.

“Our working relationship with both circuits is stronger than ever as we continue to seek the best results for our players, our fans and the sport in our region,” Kirkman added.

His comments follow the announcement by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour of a 13-year operational joint venture this week in a bid to unite more closely in the fight against VLI.

Led by Norman, the LIV has attracted some of the best players with $25 million in prize money for each of its tournaments, far exceeding the bounties at stake on the American PGA Tour, which largely organizes professional golf.

But this breakaway league is drawing criticism for Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

The agreement provides a defined path for players who wish to move from the European Tour to the US PGA Tour.

As part of the sweeping reforms, the US Tour will also return to a calendar year season from 2024, which Mr Kirkman says is a boon for Australian golf.

"The opportunities offered by the move to an annual PGA Tour schedule should allow our Australian stars to return home for our major events," he said.

Fines and bans

“Most importantly, we have been actively talking with the tours to have events in Australia,” he added.

The two major events of the year in Australia - the Australian Open and the Australian PGA - are both co-hosted by the DP World Tour.

It imposed fines and bans on its members who participated in the inaugural LIV event.

The American circuit also suspended players who participated in the dissident league.

Mr Kirkman did not mention whether the Australian Tour would follow suit after defending Australian Open (Matt Jones) and Australian PGA (Jed Morgan) champions both took part in the first LIV tournament .

© 2022 AFP