After over a year of negotiations, the PGA Tour is seemingly no closer to a resolution with LIV Golf and the PIF.
Despite optimism over a deal being completed, progress has been painfully slow. The end goal—allegedly—is to end the current divide within the game and provide the elite players with more opportunities to compete against each other.
However, several stumbling blocks have emerged.
It’s believed the Saudis want team golf incorporated into the PGA Tour, a move that would go against the competition’s traditional values.
Positive signs appeared to emerge before the US Open after Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy engaged in talks with the PIF; however, things have gone very quiet since the New York summit.
Now, the media present ahead of the St Jude Championship have attempted to obtain information from world number eight Patrick Cantlay.
Patrick Cantlay shares latest on LIV Golf and PGA Tour talks
Speaking ahead of the St Jude Championship, Cantlay admitted there hasn’t been too much talk about the ongoing discussions over the past months.
“Well, it’s definitely quieted down, and I agree with you; there hasn’t been as much chatter the last few months, which has been nice,” he explained.
“I think that’s just kind of the nature of it. There’s going to be ebbs and flows, depending on what kind of information comes out or what announcements. When you say ‘end in sight’, it’s always evolving.”
Cantlay went on to suggest the saga is still ongoing, with several figures working extremely hard behind the scenes.
“The PGA Tour has always been changing and trying to evolve and get better,” he added. “Depends what you mean by – what you define as the finish line. But I know all of us are working incredibly hard all the time to get the best outcome.”
2025 agreement must be the goal for LIV Golf and the PGA Tour
- READ MORE: A LIV Golf star has slammed Jay Monahan for what he did to the DP World Tour four years ago
Right now, it feels like LIV Golf needs this agreement more than the PGA Tour. The breakaway league still has its doubters and isn’t close to being the dominant force in world golf.
The PGA Tour is, and always will be, the main attraction for fans.
Of course, Jay Monahan and Co. would benefit from a resolution, but it’s hard to argue that the PGA Tour is presently under any significant threat.
For golf fans, however, the sooner this saga is wrapped up, the better. The game is a far better viewing experience when the best players are regularly competing against each other; 2024’s majors are the perfect example.
Looking to find a way for the LIV and PGA Tour elite to compete together once again must be at the top of the PIF and PGA Tour’s priorities.
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