Trump meets with PGA and LIV bosses in possible golf merger’s latest development

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump recently met with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Saudi Public Investment Fund head Yasir Al-Rumayyan, signaling potential progress in the ongoing efforts to unify men’s elite golf.

Trump, known for hosting both PGA and Saudi-backed LIV Golf events at his courses, played a round with Monahan at Trump International Golf Club in Florida and later attended a UFC event in New York alongside Al-Rumayyan.

The meeting comes amid prolonged negotiations following a controversial framework merger announced in June 2023. Talks have stalled, leaving top-tier golf divided and struggling to chart a unified future.

Rory McIlroy, fresh from his victory at the DP World Tour Championship, expressed cautious optimism about Trump’s involvement, suggesting his connections and influence could help bridge the PGA-LIV divide. Trump himself has downplayed his role, suggesting a resolution could be quick but emphasizing larger priorities as president-elect.

With the Justice Department scrutinizing Saudi investments and anti-trust concerns complicating matters, the path to reconciliation remains uncertain. However, with figures like 15-time major champion Tiger Woods among PGA negotiators and public support for uniting the sport’s top talent, the stakes for golf’s future have never been higher.