Donald Trump says he’d resolve PGA Tour, LIV Golf divide in “15 minutes” on recent podcast

Former President Donald Trump recently claimed he could resolve the PGA Tour and LIV Golf dispute within “15 minutes,” during an appearance on the “Let’s Go” podcast with Jim Gray and Bill Belichick. Trump, a longtime golf enthusiast and supporter of LIV Golf, confidently stated that he could broker a quick deal, cutting through the complexities that have kept the two golf entities at odds for nearly three years.

The PGA Tour’s strained relationship with LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed league, has led to legal battles and high-profile exits, creating a significant schism in professional golf. In June 2023, a tentative framework was set with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which finances LIV, to lay the foundation for a potential merger. Yet, despite high hopes, the path to a unified tour remains uncertain, with ongoing scrutiny from U.S. government agencies.

Trump’s ties to LIV Golf are well-established; he has hosted several LIV events at his properties, including Trump National Doral in Miami and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. Trump publicly encouraged players to join LIV in 2022, predicting a merger with the PGA Tour. His vocal support and hosting of LIV events highlight his influence and interest in the league’s success. Nevertheless, he acknowledged in the podcast that the nation’s challenges are more pressing, though he maintains that a unified golf tour would be ideal.

The outcome remains in question, as PGA Tour officials, Saudi stakeholders, and U.S. regulators continue complex negotiations under the watchful eye of Congress and the Department of Justice.