PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan is feeling pretty optimistic about bringing pro golf back together under one roof, especially after meeting with former President Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing talks with Saudi Arabia’s PIF.
Monahan and pro golfer Adam Scott sat down with Trump to try and speed up negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The big question? How to fit LIV Golf into the future of men’s professional golf.
Rory McIlroy, who recently played a round with Trump, says the former president is firmly on Team PGA Tour. He even mentioned that Trump isn’t a fan of how LIV Golf runs their tournaments.
“He’s the ultimate dealmaker,” Monahan said about Trump. “Having him in the mix is a great thing for the game.”
The meeting wasn’t just about golf politics. There’s a real chance Trump’s golf courses could make their way back onto the PGA Tour schedule.
Trump’s passion for golf was clear during the talks. “He has a very clear picture of what should happen and he wants to help,” Monahan explained. “The game means that much to him.”
The main goal? Getting all the best players competing against each other again on one tour. That’s what fans have been asking for.
“I don’t think you’re ever close until you’re finalized,” Monahan admitted. But he added that everyone involved seems eager to wrap this up.
What about the LIV Golf players who jumped ship? Monahan says that’s actually not the main focus right now. They’re more concerned with creating the best possible product for golf fans.
“If we respond to what our fans are telling us and put together the strongest possible schedule, all that will resolve itself,” he said.
Trump’s golf properties could play a big role in the future. His Doral course in Miami hosted PGA Tour events for over 50 years until 2016. Recently, it’s been hosting LIV Golf tournaments, along with his Bedminster course.
“While we haven’t talked about that with the president, I certainly see a day where we’re adding Trump venues to our schedule,” Monahan said.
The golf world is watching closely as these talks continue. With Trump now involved and everyone seemingly pushing in the same direction, we might finally see pro golf come back together under one banner.
