PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan has revealed that a deal to merge the PGA TOUR with the Saudi-backed rival series LIV Golf is getting “closer” thanks to help from U.S. President Donald Trump.
LIV Golf has caused a major stir in the world of men’s professional golf in recent years after the circuit, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), managed to successfully lure big names away from the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour including the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Ian Poulter, and Brooks Koepka.
In June 2023, the PGA TOUR and PIF announced a framework agreement, aiming to finalize negotiations by the end of the year. However, despite the initial target of New Year’s Eve 2023, no deal has been reached, and discussions have yet to see a breakthrough.
But Monahan has stated that a deal is edging closer thanks to intervention from Trump. The U.S. President met with Monahan and Player Director Adam Scott in recent days to discuss the situation and reach out for support.
“We know golf fans are eagerly anticipating a resolution to negotiations with the Public Investment Fund and want to thank President Trump for his interest and long-time support of the game of golf,” Monahan, Scott and Tiger Woods said in a statement.
“We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved.
“We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf.”
This week, it was announced that the U.S. Open would become the first major to award a LIV Golf player exemption based on the series’ rankings.