PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan recently met with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss finalizing an investment deal with the Saudi Arabian backers of rival LIV Golf. Monahan, along with player director Adam Scott, emphasized the importance of Trump’s involvement for the benefit of the game and all parties. The PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia initially agreed to a deal in June 2023 to end antitrust lawsuits but faced scrutiny from the Justice Department.
Meetings between the tour and PIF have been ongoing, with Trump showing interest in facilitating the deal since his election. The tour has kept the Justice Department updated on negotiations as it progresses towards an investment deal with PIF. Following the expiration of the original framework agreement, the tour secured a $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group. The current negotiations aim for PIF to become a minority investor in the commercial arm, potentially reshaping the golf landscape.
PIF, led by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, supports LIV Golf, which recruited top players suspended by the PGA Tour. The involvement of players like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson has raised questions about the future of professional golf. Despite hurdles in aligning visions for the sport, there is optimism for the deal’s completion under a new administration. Trump’s longstanding presence in golf, including owning prestigious courses like Turnberry Golf Club and Doral Resort, adds complexity to the negotiations. As discussions continue, the golf world anticipates potential shifts in the sport’s structure and competitive landscape.
