The PGA Tour says that its commissioner Jay Monahan and Player Director Adam Scott met with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, and asked him to help mediate negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
In a joint statement from Monahan, Scott, and Tiger Woods with the title “Update from PGA Tour regarding future of men’s professional golf,” the men indicated that the PGA is closing in on a deal with the PIF, one that would likely see a significant investment in the tour and likely a merger or agreement between the PGA and the PIF-backed LIV Golf tour.
“We know golf fans are eagerly anticipating a resolution to negotiations with the Public Investment Fund and want to thank President Trump for his interest and long-time support of the game of golf,” the statement said. “We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved. We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf.”
The PGA first announced its plan to cut a deal with the PIF two years ago, with the sovereign wealth fund backing a new for-profit entity that would hold both the Tour and LIV. Talks, however, have dragged on, and the Department of Justice had been reviewing the deal.
The initial deal would have seen Monahan be CEO of the new venture, with PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan serving as chairman. It would also effectively merge PGA and LIV, though it was possible that both brands could co-exist. It is not clear what the current terms are, though the statement suggests that there has been a breakthrough in talks with Trump’s involvement.
