The world of golf is currently alight with speculation as the merger discussions between two prominent golf leagues continue to stall, despite the intervention of the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump. In a groundbreaking move, Trump organized a meeting on 20th February, which saw key figures in golf, including Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), Jay Monahan, the Commissioner of the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods, and Adam Scott gathered at the White House.
However, the optimism that initially followed this unprecedented meeting has dissipated. The merger that was once on the cusp of realization now teeters on the brink of delay or possible discontinuation. This has prompted the critics of the sport to offer their advice to Commissioner Monahan, who seems to be at the center of the storm.
In a recent discussion at the 5 Clubs, Golf Channel Announcer Damon Hack took the spotlight. When questioned about the current state of the Tour, Hack painted a picture of the challenging times the game faces. He referred to the ebbing momentum that previously suggested the PGA Tour and the PIF were on the brink of an agreement. The recent reports, however, offer a stark contrast; the deal is not as close as it once seemed.
Despite this, Hack remains optimistic about the future of the PGA Tour. He insists that Monahan should focus on the influx of young talent that continues to flood the Tour. The PGA Tour, according to Hack, retains its reputable status as the ‘Blue Chip property’ of the golfing world. He even encourages the PGA Tour to be proud of its status, dubbing it a chance to “pound the chest and stand up straight.”
For any ambitious golfer with dreams of competing with the world’s best, the PGA Tour is the gateway. Even the emergence of LIV Golf has not dented the PGA Tour’s reputation. The direction of aspiring golfers may shift towards LIV later in their career, but the PGA Tour remains the place where no player can afford to miss out on.
In highlighting the progress of young players, Hack refers to the top names like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy. He also points to Ludvig Aberg’s recent victory at the Genesis Invitational and Luke Clanton’s PGA Tour card, earned due to his participation in the 2025 Cognizant Classic through the PGA Tour University Accelerated Program. Success stories like Michael Thorbjornson and Jackson Koivun also add to the growing list.
Despite the merger’s uncertain future, the optimism from Commissioner Monahan fuels the hopes of the golf community. In a recent interview with GolfWeek, Monahan praised the role of Donald Trump in the proceedings. Monahan acknowledged Trump’s passion for the game and his desire for golf to be reunified. He also appreciated Trump’s role in the deal, stating, “I’m grateful for him playing the role that he’s played.”
The progress, although slow, is steady. The question that looms heavy on everyone’s mind, however, is whether the merger will materialize anytime soon. Only time will tell.
