Scottie Scheffler states what he would ‘love to see’ happen as LIV and PGA Tour merger talks continue

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As Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund holds talks with the PGA Tour, Scottie Scheffler is the latest player to reveal what he wants to happen when the protracted negotiations eventually end.

In November, bombshell reports from the UK claimed that the PIF was nearing a $1bn agreement with the PGA Tour. Now, the latest rumours suggest the Saudis are close to acquiring 6% of the PGA Tour Enterprises.

Misinformation has plagued the entire saga, which started 18 months ago when the bombshell framework agreement was announced.

With the divide showing no sign of concluding, some of the game’s most prominent players have voiced their concerns. Rory McIlroy wants reunification, and Scheffler shares the same view as the world number three.

Scottie Scheffler details ideal scenario for LIV and PGA Tour

Scheffler, speaking ahead of next weekend’s LIV Golf vs PGA Tour ‘Showdown’ in Las Vegas, believes getting the world’s best players back competing against each other should be the priority.

“I think we’d love to see everybody back together,” Scheffler told Sports Illustrated. “What I love most is the competition. All this talk about LIV and PGA Tour and money … I think most of us just want to get back to the competition.

“To have an event where we’re playing against each other, we don’t get to do that often. It’ll be fun to get together and compete. After Brooks and Bryson left, we only play (against them) four times a year. I think we need to start focusing on the competition aspect of it.”

Scheffler added: “Ideally, I think the end goal here is to get the game of golf back together.”

• READ MORE: Phil Mickelson sends Scottie Scheffler ten-word message after he wins the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year award

Lots to iron out as LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger talks continue

Of course, the top players in the world have the right to demand reunification. Scheffler and McIlroy want to compete against Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Jon Rahm, and the rest of the LIV contingent more regularly.

But what exactly does a merger look like?

Right now, McIlroy and Scheffler appear entirely content with the PGA Tour and not interested in the LIV Golf product as a whole.

Those competing in the breakaway venture are keen to return to playing on golf’s traditional circuits whenever they can.

Perhaps the higher-profile LIV players returning for the Signature Events is a possibility, but then those who remained loyal – Scheffler, McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, etc – will demand some compensation.

Maybe the Saudis’ rumoured 6% stake investment will provide the PGA Tour with funds to keep its stars happy during an upcoming merger. At this point, however, it’s guesswork at best.