Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with the PGA Tour, which would end the current divide within the professional game.
Reports from the UK suggest the LIV Golf backers are set to plough $1bn into the PGA Tour in exchange for an 11% stake in the product.
Furthermore, it’s believed the PIF will also be allowed two seats on the board, one in a chairmanship position. However, it comes as no surprise to see yet more confusion emerge.
Rory McIlroy says he’s heard nothing about a deal, and LIV Golf star Tyrrell Hatton has also been left in the dark.
Tyrrell Hatton reacts to LIV Golf-PGA Tour agreement
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Hatton, speaking after carding an opening round of eight under at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, has claimed he’s been left in the dark amid the merger talk.
“I don’t know,” he told Sky Sports.
“It feels like a bit of a yo-yo. It sounds like it is getting closer, but then it doesn’t sound like it’s close. I mean, look, I don’t know. I will just play golf where I want to play, and we will go from there.”
Donald Trump victory could accelerate PIF-PGA Tour talks
Another factor that could impact merger talks is Donald Trump’s election victory over Kamala Harris.
It’s understood that Trump’s election could accelerate the process, with the President being a close ally of the Saudis. Trump has made no secret of his desire to force through a deal and publically told PGA Tour players to take the LIV money before an agreement is reached.
Furthermore, a Department of Justice staffed by a Republican administration is understood to be more open to approving any potential deal between the two parties.
The stars feel like they’re finally aligning and that the right pieces are falling into place ahead of the 2025 season, which could well see a unified game of golf return.
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