After months of stalled negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) over a potential merger, it was only a matter of time before a major political or sporting figure stepped in. That moment has arrived, and it comes in the form of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump.
With the deal dragging on for over 14 months, uncertainty has loomed over the future of professional golf. Now, Trump’s involvement signals a dramatic turn in the saga, as he reportedly met with PGA Tour officials and veteran golfer Adam Scott to discuss how to finally push the agreement forward.
Adam Scott Reacts to Trump’s Entry Into Golf’s Biggest Negotiation
Australian golf star Adam Scott has been following the situation closely and believes Trump’s involvement could be a game-changer.
“It’s just a positive thing that the President of the United States is such a lover of the game of golf and understands some of the challenges facing the professional game at the moment,” Scott told The New Zealand Herald.
Scott’s comments reflect what many in the sport have been thinking: If anyone can get both sides to the table and cut through the red tape, it’s Trump.
Why Has the PGA-PIF Deal Stalled?
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s backers, the PIF, announced in June 2023 that they were working toward a groundbreaking merger, but progress has been agonizingly slow. The reasons?
- Legal & Monopoly Concerns – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has been investigating whether a deal would create a monopoly in professional golf, complicating the negotiation process.
- Resistance from PGA Players – Many PGA Tour loyalists have voiced concerns about LIV Golf’s influence, with some calling for the deal to be abandoned altogether.
- Uncertain Structure – The actual framework of the merger remains unclear, with both sides struggling to define how a unified tour would function.
Scott, like many in the golf world, has been frustrated with the delays, describing the situation as “all crazy stuff.”
“Given how things are sitting with the Department of Justice among the professional game, this is all crazy stuff. He’s a lover of the game and hopefully will be very helpful for the professional game and help everybody move forward,” Scott said.
Trump’s Potential Influence on the PGA-LIV Merger
Trump’s connection to both golf and Saudi Arabia is well-documented. He owns multiple high-profile golf courses, has hosted LIV Golf events at his properties, and maintains strong ties to Saudi leaders. This puts him in a unique position to help broker a resolution that could reshape professional golf for decades to come.
With the PGA Tour and PIF seemingly unable to find common ground, Trump’s entry into the discussions could either speed up negotiations or create even more controversy.
What’s Next?
Trump’s involvement could add urgency to the process, but there’s no guarantee of a quick resolution. The PGA Tour, PIF, and DOJ all have competing interests, and finding a deal that satisfies all parties won’t be easy.
One thing is certain: With Trump now involved, the PGA-LIV merger saga just got even more explosive.
