Golf authorities negotiate with Trump: “He wants to see the game reunified”

Three years on from the extraordinary fracture of elite golf, there are concrete signs that the two factions are moving closer to a reunification.

In 2022 a number of the world’s top players made the explosive decision to join LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed breakaway competition that has challenged the supremacy of the established PGA Tour.

Tensions between the two organisations have thawed and PGA commissioner Jay Monahan has confirmed that talk of a reunification is “very real”. He met with President Donald Trump and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), at the White House last month.

“The talks are real, they’re substantial and they’re being driven at the top levels of both organisations,” Monahan said this week. “Those talks have been significantly bolstered by President Trump’s willingness to serve as a facilitator."

He continued: “President Trump is a lifelong golf fan. He believes strongly in the game’s power and potential, and he has been exceedingly generous with his time and influence to help bring a deal together.”

What did Trump say about LIV Golf?

The recent White House meeting was a major step forward in resolving the schism between the two duelling tours. The meeting was termed a “constructive working session” by the White House, with American golfers Tiger Woods and Adam Scott also in attendance alongside Trump and the heads of the two golf bodies.

In the aftermath of the conference, Trump was asked by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis whether he believed a breakthrough was possible.

“I think there’s a good chance that we’ll do that,” Trump replied. “I think there’s a very good chance.”

Trump’s eagerness to reunite the game has already brought about a considerable change in the stance of both parties. Monahan has confirmed that Trump is keen to push through the changes to bring the elite game back under one, unified format: “He wants to see the game reunified. We want to see the game reunified. His involvement has made the prospect of reunification very real.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.