Trump pushes for PGA and LIV Golf merger to unify tours

On April 4, 2025, in Miami, President Donald Trump arrived at his Doral resort to participate in a LIV Golf event and reiterated his desire to see a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Trump has been vocal about his intentions to unite the two tours, which have been in conflict for over a year. The Saudi-funded LIV Golf has attracted notable players with higher payouts, leading to a divide in the golfing community regarding loyalty between the two tours. Trump, who has held discussions with both sides, views the potential merger as beneficial for the sport. He described the LIV golfers as some of the best in the world and believes that combining the tours could enhance the overall golfing experience. The talks about a possible merger have involved significant figures such as PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan, who acknowledges Trump’s role as a facilitator in these discussions. As discussions continue, various obstacles, including ownership issues and reconciling players who switched to LIV Golf, must be addressed. The potential merger could involve substantial financial stakes, with reports of the Saudi Public Investment Fund's considerable investment sitting against the PGA Tour's recent deals. Observers remain cautiously optimistic that an agreement can be reached soon, allowing the top golfers to compete in one unified tour. Trump's involvement is seen as a hopeful sign that these clashes are being taken seriously and could lead to a new era in professional golf. Despite the complexities surrounding the unification, Trump's perspective is that both entities wish to work towards a resolution. He has expressed that players from both sides, including foregone stars, are eager to settle their differences. The pressure mounts as the global audience watches how these negotiations play out. An eventual merger may reshape the landscape of golf significantly, but as of now, the timeline for any deal remains unclear. For fans and players alike, the hope is that golf can operate under one unified tour, bringing together the best talent from both sides for the greater good of the sport.