Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, may hold the key to ending the long-standing dispute between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. Rory McIlroy, a four-time major winner, believes that Trump’s return to the White House could help facilitate a deal between the two rival factions. While McIlroy acknowledges that Trump likely has other pressing matters to attend to, he remains hopeful that the President-elect’s love for golf could be leveraged to broker a resolution.
Trump’s involvement in golf is well-documented, with his close ties to LIV Golf and its Saudi backers. Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has maintained relationships with key figures in the golfing world, including the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. His golf courses have hosted LIV Golf events, and he has actively engaged with players and stakeholders from both sides of the conflict.
The proposed merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf faces significant hurdles, particularly in the form of antitrust concerns raised by the Department of Justice. While Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to expedite the deal, the final decision lies with the courts. However, his influence over the DOJ through appointments and priorities could sway the outcome in favor of the merger.
As Trump prepares to assume office for a second term, his advocacy for a golf deal remains a top priority. Despite the myriad of challenges facing his administration, Trump’s commitment to the sport and his personal stake in the negotiations underscore his determination to see a resolution. The potential $1 billion unification deal with Saudi Arabia could reshape the landscape of professional golf and offer Trump a path back to the mainstream of the sport.
While the road to a final agreement may still be fraught with obstacles, there are promising signs that a resolution is within reach. With key stakeholders engaging in discussions and negotiations, the prospect of a lasting peace treaty between the warring factions appears more attainable than ever. Trump’s role in driving the deal forward cannot be understated, and his ability to navigate the complexities of the merger could prove decisive in bringing an end to golf’s civil war.
