A merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has been on the cards for some time, but a deal could now finally be close.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf are nearing a merger, whereby the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) will pay around $1billion to the PGA Tour an 11% stake in the product.
PIF backs LIV Golf, with the tour set to get two seats on the board at PGA level, which includes a chairmanship place.
Moreover, LIV Golf events will fall under the PGA banner, with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy believed to have played a key part in the reported agreement.
Both have been strong advocates to bring the two tours together, with McIlroy particularly outspoken on the issue.
Rory McIlroy issues update on PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger
The Northern Irishman, who is currently in Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, has now shared an update on the potential merger.
“It’s the first that I’ve heard of it,” said McIlroy, as per Golf Digest Middle East. “I know Jay [Monahan] was in Saudi Arabia last week at the FII and was having some meetings. But I think I would have heard if there was.
READ MORE: Peter Finch tells the PGA Tour the change which should happen if LIV Golf merger goes through
“I know he’s briefing the transaction committee tonight, so maybe some news comes out of that, but as far as I’m aware I haven’t heard a thing.”
DP World Tour the biggest losers of a PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger
McIlroy will be eager to focus on the end to his DP World Tour season, which begins this week in Abu Dhabi.
The four-time major winner is among a strong field taking on the first event, which is closely followed by the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
He is in a very strong position to clinch another year-end title, with McIlroy topping the table at this moment in time.
But he may just be distracted by the ongoing reports of a potential merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
The PGA, DP World Tour and the PIF signed a framework agreement all the way back in June 2023, in a bid to bring golf back together.
But plenty of time has passed since that initial agreement last summer, with a final solution yet to be agreed upon.
The DP World Tour could be the biggest losers of a merger, which could be left out in the cold as the two heavyweights continue to discuss a deal.
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