Phil Mickelson claims PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger ‘isn’t necessary’ despite Saudi Arabia talks

The PGA Tour is currently engaged in negotiations with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, working to resolve the ongoing conflict with LIV Golf. Despite these efforts, Phil Mickelson, a prominent figure in the golf world, questions the necessity of a peace deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Mickelson, who played a key role in the dispute by leading several top players to join the Saudi-backed league, expressed his views on the ongoing talks.

In June of the previous year, hopes for reconciliation between the two tours emerged following the surprising announcement of a framework agreement. Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour Commissioner, confirmed that the American-based circuit had entered into discussions with the PIF, signaling a priority for peace within professional golf.

Although over 12 months have passed, a final deal has not been reached, and talks continue. While it seems that an end to the conflict is approaching, Mickelson remains skeptical about the necessity of a merger. “Is it necessary that there is a merger? Probably not,” he stated in an interview with Bloomberg. However, he acknowledged that it would be beneficial if hostilities ceased. Mickelson, who appeared to sever ties with the PGA Tour when joining the breakaway league, admitted he may need to let go of some of his past grievances with the Tour for the sake of progress.

“I need to let that stuff go,” he added. “I need to let go of all of those experiences I have had in the past that were less than positive. I need to let go of my hostilities, and we all do for the better of the game.” The ongoing wait for unification has left many in the golf community frustrated.

Following the initial announcement of the framework agreement last June, both parties had set a deadline of December 31, 2023, to finalize the deal. However, this deadline was missed, and hopes for completion by the Masters in April also went unmet. Mickelson’s biographer, Alan Shipnuck, reported that a ‘draft agreement’ between the PGA Tour and PIF had been signed ahead of this month’s U.S. Open, but the future of the two rival tours remains uncertain.

In a memo to players, Monahan revealed that while progress had been made, more work is needed to finalize the agreement. “The PGA Tour Enterprises Transaction Subcommittee met in New York with Yasir Al-Rumayyan and members of his team,” Monahan wrote. “During that meeting, we reached consensus on several items, but both parties recognize that there is still work to do to reach a final agreement.”

Negotiations continue with the goal of developing a shared vision for the future of professional golf that promotes competitiveness and provides the best global opportunities for players.