Trump continues LIV Golf relationship after Saudi meeting and McIlroy’s words

Donald Trump continues LIV Golf relationship after Yasir Al-Rumayyan meeting and Rory McIlroy’s comments

Dustin Johnson and Donald Trump posed on the green after a round together at the President-elect’s golf course as LIV-PGA merger continue to stall since 2023

Donald Trump and Dustin Johnson at his Florida course
Golfers want Donald Trump’s help for a PGA-LIV merger

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Dustin Johnson, one of LIV Golf’s top stars, joined President-elect Donald Trump for a round of golf at his Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida.

Johnson, accompanied by his brother and caddie, Austin, continues to signal Trump’s strong ties with LIV Golf as discussions continue to linger regarding a potential merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Austin posted an Instagram photo of Johnson and Trump’s golf outing on Wednesday afternoon. After taking the snap on the green, a video emerged of Trump driving a tee shot as the Johnson family complimented his shot.

Trump’s maintained relationship with LIV was also displayed by meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the chairman of LIV Golf and governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The meeting at a UFC event in New York City has fueled confidence about Trump’s potential role in streamlining the long-awaited resolution to the golf world’s standoff between the PGA and LIV.

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Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy recently shared he hopes that Trump, alongside his billionaire advocate Elon Musk, could encourage the merger process. After Trump won the United States Presidential election over Kamala Harris, McIlroy said, “He might be able to. He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too.

“Yeah, I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is,” he continued. “But obviously, Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?”

Trump’s relationship with Saudi Arabia was documented during his last presidential term, with his administration fostering a close relationship. Despite global criticism of the Crown Prince, Trump defended him numerous times.
Donald Trump is an avid golfer (

Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

Trump’s golf properties include Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey and Trump National Doral in Florida. Both venues have become staples for LIV Golf events, with Trump National Doral being used this season for LIV Miami, where Johnson’s 4Aces team struggled and finished in 8th place out of 13 teams.

The PGA Tour and LIV Golf first announced the merger in June 2023. During media runs until election day, Trump puffed out his chest to say it would take him “about 15 minutes” to finish the deal.

“I do think [the deal] will come together. I could certainly help it,” said Trump on the Let’s Go Podcast. “I would say it would take me the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done.”