PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan recently revealed that he had a meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House. This engagement comes as the PGA Tour is nearing the completion of a long-awaited investment agreement with the Saudi Arabian financiers behind the competing LIV Golf.
In a statement released on Thursday, Monahan disclosed that he and PGA Tour board player director Adam Scott spoke with Trump and requested his assistance in the negotiations, which they believe would benefit golf and the involved nations. Monahan expressed gratitude for Trump’s leadership, which he said has helped the parties move closer to finalizing a deal that aims to unite men’s professional golf.
The statement was co-signed by Monahan, Scott, and Tiger Woods. Woods, serving as vice chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises and one of the six player directors with an unlimited term, is deeply involved in the discussions but was absent from the meeting due to the recent passing of his mother, Kultida, in Florida. According to a flight tracker, Woods’ plane arrived in Washington on Monday evening and quickly left for Florida shortly after midnight.
The PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia initially reached an agreement in June 2023, which resolved existing antitrust lawsuits. However, concerns from the Justice Department stalled the progress, and no agreement was in place by the end of the year. The two parties have been engaged in negotiations for almost a year, with Trump previously inviting Monahan to play golf shortly after his election in November.
On a podcast prior to the election, Trump claimed that he could finalize the deal quickly but mentioned he had larger priorities to handle. He emphasized the importance of having a singular tour that showcases the best golfers. As the PGA Tour continues to update the Justice Department on its negotiations, it signed an agreement with Strategic Sports Group for a $1.5 billion investment into PGA Tour Enterprises, which has the potential to increase further.
The current discussions hinge on PIF’s role as a minority investor in the commercial entity, leaving uncertainties about how to mend the divided golf landscape. LIV Golf commenced its fourth season in Saudi Arabia, bolstered by a new television deal and new opportunities for sponsorships. PIF has been a significant force behind LIV Golf, investing heavily to attract elite players, many of whom faced suspensions from the PGA Tour for their participation. Stars like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson are among those who have joined the breakaway league, collectively holding 17 major titles.
Currently, the only occasions where the world’s top golfers compete against each other are during the four major tournaments. The USGA has recently made strides by including a qualifying pathway for LIV golfers who may not already be eligible for the U.S. Open. Rory McIlroy, who is part of a transaction subcommittee for the ongoing negotiations, stated last week that he believes an administration change could foster a more favorable environment for reaching deals.
Although McIlroy feels optimistic about the investment deal’s potential, he acknowledges that it does not resolve the fundamental issues regarding the future of golf. He noted that differing visions for the sport’s direction remain a key barrier. Trump’s relationship with golf spans over two decades, having invested in premium golf courses and acquiring notable venues like Turnberry in Scotland and the Doral Resort in Miami, which once hosted PGA Tour events.
Several of Trump’s golf courses have played host to LIV events, including one at Doral this year, showcasing his ongoing involvement in the sport.
