A new report claims that those close to the planned merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf have serious doubts a deal will ever get done.
Earlier this summer, the golf world was seemingly turned on it’s head when the bitter war between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and upstart Saudi Arabia-backed league LIV Golf seemed to be over. The PGA shockingly revealed that the three top leagues in the sport had agreed to terms on a merger that could begin in 2024 and all litigation between them would cease.
Related: PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger reportedly no longer a sure thing with December deadline looming
However, while many golf fans were thrilled with the revelation, many in and outside the sport were not happy about the news. Players that passed on huge paydays and stayed loyal to the Tour reportedly called for Commissioner Jay Monahan to lose his job and the United States Congress had serious concerns about the new connections between the Saudi government and PGA that would be created in the deal.
‘Heavy doubts building’ about PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger
Due to those various hurdles and many more, a finalized deal has gotten no closer to completion as a December deadline draws near. On Wednesday, The Athletic Senior Golf writer Brendan Quinn delivered an update on the situation, and it was quite grim when it came to the chances of a merger being completed.
Related: PGA Tour Senate hearing reveals shocking merger plans, including Tiger Woods joining LIV Golf
“Four and a half months [after the merger announcement], it appears the framework agreement between the tour and the PIF is dead, dying, or, at best, will need to be extended past a Dec. 31 deadline for completion. The PGA Tour is in talks with outside investors, including Endeavor, the entertainment and media agency that owns the UFC and WWE, and other private entities.
“Publicly, officials from both the tour and the [Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund] will only say they’re still operating in good faith and remain committed to the framework agreement. Privately, voices on both sides cite heavy doubts building by the day. All indications say the seismic shifts in the future of professional golf are far from settled.”
– Brendan Quinn
The Saudi PIF — which is an arm of the Saudi government — funds LIV and was expected to make major investments in the PGA and DP World Tour in a merger. However, that made US officials uncomfortable.
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The Tour is likely seeking out new investors to either appease members of congress and complete a deal, or to get financial backing for a restarted battle with LIV if the agreement does fall apart.