Golf’s Ladies European Tour (LET) board has postponed a planned vote that would have seen the LET merge with the US Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) yesterday (November 21).
In a statement, the LPGA said: “Earlier today, LET membership met to vote whether to join the LPGA organization. Recognizing the significance of this decision to its stakeholders, based on additional information received just prior to the meeting, the LET board decided to adjourn today’s meeting and postpone the planned vote.
“The LPGA board is supportive of this decision and remains enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring our two organizations together.”
It is not clear what the “additional information” was that forced the vote’s postponement or when a vote will next take place.
The move comes after LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan confirmed last week the LET vote was scheduled to take place yesterday.
Both the LPGA and LET boards have already approved the proposal to merge after winning a vote of support from LET professionals during a general meeting in 2019. However, finalization of the merger now requires a 60% approval from the entire LET membership.
Under the deal, the tour will form a joint venture partnership with the more powerful LPGA to help drive the growth of the women’s professional game in Europe.
The two tours have been in talks for years over how the US organization could help the LET, which has struggled to attract event organizers and sponsors in recent years, putting financial pressure on professionals who only play on the European circuit.