The PGA Tour says it is “closer to a deal” with rival series LIV Golf after calling on American President Donald Trump to get involved.
Trump met with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott this week as the organisation seeks help with talks with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which funds LIV.
The PGA Tour has been in protracted negotiations with PIF in an attempt to heal the split in world golf.
“We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved,” said the statement which came from Monahan, Scott and 15-time major winner Tiger Woods, who is also a player director.
“We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf.”
LIV Golf started in 2022 and, lured by huge signing on fees and prize funds, several top players moved from the PGA Tour circuit, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia.
In June 2023 the PGA Tour and the European-based DP World Tour announced they had a ‘framework agreement’ for a merger with PIF but a deadline to complete that deal passed at the end of that year.
On Wednesday it was announced this year’s US Open will become the first major to provide players on the LIV Golf tour with an exemption for the tournament based on rankings.
Trump’s love of golf is well-known and he owns championship courses around the world.
