Nothing has been able to help finalize a merger between PGA Tour and LIV Golf. However, a deal may be as close to getting done as it ever has been due to one man, President Donald Trump.
In June of 2023, the golf world was completely caught off guard when it was revealed that bitter rivals the PGA Tour and LIV Golf had agreed to the framework of a deal to merge. Two years earlier, the creation of the Saudi-backed league created a huge divide in the pro ranks of the sport.
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While the PGA had the prestige and name value, LIV was able to even the odds and lure away a large amount of Tour talent with massive paydays. The merger seemed to end all of that and an ongoing lawsuit between the two leagues. It gave fans hope that all the best players in the world would be back to competing against each other again.
However, the deal was met with a surprising amount of resistance. First from Congress due to concerns about the Saudi Public Investment Fund overseeing all the top golf leagues. But also form PGA loyalists upset defectors would get to return to the Tour after leaving for huge paydays.
The months ticked off the calendar and doubt grew that a deal would ever get done. However, some interesting news arrived on Thursday.
President Trump personally pushing to get PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger done
“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,” a statement from the PGA Tour read. “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 the reunification of men’s professional golf.”
When Trump secured his election victory in November, there was speculation that the golf lover might step in to push the merger along. The statement from Commissioner Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods, and Adam Scott confirm those opinions.
With Trump now back in office, any legal hurdles the merger might have had could soon disappear and a big and beautiful golf world could return for fans soon.
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