As the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund near a groundbreaking agreement, discussions have emerged about what the game of golf could eventually look like.
The latest reports suggest that the PIF is close to acquiring 6% of PGA Tour Enterprises. However, little has been disclosed about what would happen if a merger occurs.
Some of the game’s biggest stars are clearly losing patience with the current divide. Rory McIlroy wants the best players back together, and Scottie Scheffler believes increasing the level of competition is a must.
As has been well documented, McIlroy and Scheffler will take on Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in the LIV Golf vs PGA Tour ‘Showdown’ next week.
The match is the first time PGA Tour and LIV players have faced off in a one-off event since the PIF-backed venture launched in 2022. Koepka believes the Las Vegas showdown is just the start, however.
A Ryder Cup-style event has been proposed, and Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, believes it would be a money-maker for both LIV and the PGA Tour.
Hank Haney reacts to LIV Golf vs PGA Tour Ryder Cup idea
In his latest podcast, Haney strongly supported a Ryder Cup-style event that could bring in millions for both parties.
“That is the one that everyone wants to see,” Haney said.
“You know what that is? That’s a money maker; that’s what that is. Think about how much money the Ryder Cup makes. The stupid Presidents Cup makes money. What would LIV vs PGA Tour?
“That’s another match they could put together, and it’s got to be able to make $50 million, maybe it will make $100 million. It’s got to make a lot of money! A three day match, put something together, that is something that is very doable.
He added: “And you have got to think that would be the first thing on the agenda if there is a new PGA Tour Enterprises and if that’s a company that PIF own 6% of and the PGA Tour owns, and it’s a strategic sports partnership, and you have all those sports owners, you have to think the first thing they would do is think how can we make this business make money?
“The first thing on their list has got to be a PGA Tour vs LIV match. It’s got to be. That seems like a foregone conclusion. And that would be great for golf. You know what I would cheer for? I don’t care for LIV or the PGA Tour. All I care about is golf; I want golf to be good.”
PGA Tour and LIV Golf have other priorities
Right now, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have other priorities. Jay Monahan’s current focus is reaching a reasonable agreement with the PIF.
If the Saudis take a stake in the PGA Tour, there must be clarity about how the game of golf will look going forward. Whether LIV players are allowed to go back for specific PGA Tour events or the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy compete in specific breakaway tour tournaments, the current divide within the professional scene must end.
For LIV, the focus right now won’t be on setting up a lucrative Ryder Cup-style event; that can happen later. Those in positions of power in the PIF-backed league are scrambling to land a high-profile signing before the 2025 season starts in February.
Despite strong rumours, a Jon Rahm-esque addition hasn’t materialised, which could become a big issue heading into the new year.
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