The battle lines between the establishment and the Saudi-backed LIV golf rebels were drawn ever more clearly on Tuesday when the PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced a considerable strengthening of their 'strategic alliance'.
The latter body ended all speculation they have been talking to LIV officials with a blistering attack on the Saudis by chief executive Keith Pelley.
'We hear them talk about growing the game but I'm perplexed at how that works,' said Pelley. 'In Formula One they work within the eco-system of the sport, as they do in the Premier League and women's golf, but they do not in men's golf.