In the world of golf, few issues have stirred as much emotion and debate as the rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The whispers of potential reunification between the two organizations have been circulating for months, and the stakes are only getting higher. The tension reached a fever pitch when a high-profile delegation from the PGA Tour—including Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, and Commissioner Jay Monahan—met with former President Donald Trump at the White House. In attendance was Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), a key player in the ongoing negotiations.
The timing was critical, with the Future Investment Initiative Institute Priority Summit supported by Saudi Arabia, happening in Miami. After the meeting, Woods made a public appearance at a White House reception for Black History Month, where President Trump acknowledged the gathering and remarked, “We had some interesting discussions.” It seemed like a major step forward. But the reality is different. Despite the high-profile meetings, a deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is still nowhere near being finalized.
At the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Monahan spoke to reporters, offering little new information. Instead, he reaffirmed his confidence that progress is being made, even if it’s not as fast as some might hope. He confirmed that there were no upcoming meetings with the PIF and that the anticipated deal wouldn’t be announced during The Players Championship, where Monahan traditionally gives his State of the Tour address. “We don’t have a next meeting set, but obviously, we’re in a really busy stretch right now,” Monahan explained. “We’ve got the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players coming up in the next two weeks. So, while there may still be conversations, no physical meeting is scheduled.”
Even Tour Golf took to their official X account and reported, “Jay Monahan has announced that he thinks that the PGA Tour and LIV have a chance to make a deal “sometime before 2029”. Despite the buzz and anticipation surrounding the potential merger, Monahan has remained consistent in his commitment to one ultimate goal: the reunification of the sport. Though things may feel stalled to some, he insists that the pieces are still moving in the right direction. Tiger Woods, who was part of another meeting with Trump before heading to the Super Bowl, expressed optimism in a broadcast appearance. Men’s professional golf could well see a merger between the three leading tours “very soon this year,” according to Tiger Woods.
Jay Monahan has announced that he thinks that the PGA Tour and LIV have a chance to make a deal “sometime before 2029”. pic.twitter.com/Az1NR3sRsE
— Tour Golf (@PGATUOR) March 4, 2025
“I think we’re in a very positive place right now,” Woods said, adding that he had other commitments but was confident in the progress being made. “Jay and Adam did great during the meeting, and we have another subsequent meeting coming up.” Monahan also spoke positively about the discussions, describing the White House meeting as a “huge step” forward. However, as it turns out, the golf community does not agree with him.
Jay Monahan questioned about his job
Earlier it was only the golf fans that were frustrated with the merger and its delay. However, almost 2 years after the announcement, even the players are upset about not having the best of golf anymore. And well, let’s not forget, the ongoing trouble and politics in the game. Even Rory McIlroy, who was once sternly against LIV Golf now wants things to come together. That’s how desperate people are. But Jay Monahan’s recent announcement only made them all the more furious and frustrated. Taking to this, one of them wrote, “Tour won’t be around in 2029 at this rate, hate to break it to him.” While another absolutely left in dismay asked, “2029?”
Not only has there been a delay in the merger, but Jay Monahan has failed to keep track of other things too. Let’s go back to last year, for instance, as of 2024, viewership for the season has dropped by 2.2 million, excluding the majors, reflecting a 20% decline (or 2.7 million) compared to the previous year. This decrease can be partly attributed to star players joining LIV Golf, though some of the dip is also due to networks reducing resources and shifting investments toward player development.
NBC, in particular, has focused heavily on the commercialization of the sport, turning golf into more of an entertainment spectacle with events like The Showdown and Creators Classic. However, it’s important to note that these newer events have not garnered the same level of fan engagement or historical significance as more traditional tournaments. Taking to this, one of them wrote, “How does he keep his job?” Another commented, “Translation: Jay believes and knows they will never, ever make a deal. That guy is absolutely terrible.”
Another fan, very wittily mocking the major slow play trouble ongoing on the Tour with the delay in merger, wrote, “The pace of play is slow here.” Clearly, the dissatisfaction is mounting. What are your thoughts about the latest update on the merger? Let us know in the comments section below!
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