Donald Trump says he’d resolve PGA Tour, LIV Golf divide in “15 minutes” on recent podcast

Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently made waves by claiming he could quickly broker a deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, two organizations locked in a nearly three-year feud. During his appearance on the “Let’s Go” podcast with Jim Gray and Bill Belichick, Trump suggested he could resolve the ongoing standoff in “the better part of 15 minutes.”

The divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has created significant tensions within the world of men’s professional golf. In June 2023, a potential resolution seemed on the horizon when the PGA Tour announced a “framework agreement” with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the financial force behind LIV Golf. The agreement dropped all lawsuits between the PGA and LIV Golf, aiming to establish a pathway toward a formal merger. However, despite initial optimism, the split between the two organizations persists.

Trump, a self-proclaimed golf enthusiast with strong ties to LIV Golf, hinted that he could expedite negotiations if given the chance. His support for LIV is well known, as his golf properties have hosted several LIV events since the league launched in 2022. Trump National Doral in Miami and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey have both served as prominent LIV tournament venues, and Trump has frequently expressed support for LIV players. As early as July 2022, he encouraged golfers to “take the money” from LIV, predicting an inevitable merger with the PGA.

Trump’s connection to LIV may also be influenced by a complicated history with the PGA of America. After the events of January 6, 2021, the PGA of America moved its 2022 championship from Trump’s Bedminster club to Southern Hills in Oklahoma, a decision that reportedly left Trump frustrated. Since then, Trump has developed a close association with LIV Golf executives, including CEO Greg Norman and PIF Governor Yasir al-Rumayyan, appearing at LIV events and playing in several LIV Pro-Am tournaments.

Although Trump is confident he could resolve the PGA-LIV dispute, he acknowledged on the podcast that the U.S. faces more critical issues. Still, he emphasized his desire to see a unified tour with the world’s best players competing side by side. Notably, top golfer Rory McIlroy has also called for a global, unified tour, and various players have expressed interest in a more inclusive system.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, al-Rumayyan, and other key figures, including Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, have been in talks to advance a potential partnership, yet no clear progress has been made public. Monahan recently expressed cautious optimism, though he admitted the discussions remain complex and will likely require more time.

However, the proposed PGA-LIV partnership has caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI). The PSI, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal, has raised concerns about the PIF’s role in “sportswashing” and scrutinized the potential anti-trust implications of a PGA-LIV deal. The PSI has also cited the Saudi government’s involvement in the 9/11 attacks as a significant concern.

Despite the government’s reservations, Trump sympathizes with LIV players, who have been able to earn substantial financial rewards through their participation in the Saudi-backed league. Trump noted that LIV golfers are content with their decision to join, even though it has resulted in some players being excluded from major tournaments. LIV’s appeal lies largely in its lucrative offers, with some players reportedly earning hundreds of millions of dollars.

A unified tour would raise several complex questions, such as whether LIV players who accepted large payouts should reinvest part of their earnings into the new league or retain the financial incentives they received. The potential deal thus involves numerous stakeholders, including Congress and the DOJ, making it a far more intricate matter than it may appear.

Whether or not Trump could resolve this impasse remains speculative. For some, his involvement could be a welcome intervention, while others may view it as controversial. Ultimately, the future of professional golf hangs in the balance as stakeholders attempt to navigate a path toward unity in a deeply divided sport.