The prospect of professional golf reuniting has been rumoured for over 19 months after the PIF and PGA Tour signed a framework agreement on June 6, 2023.
However, after the December 31 (2023) deadline passed, a prolonged saga has unfolded. Over the past year, there have been multiple false dawns and suggestions that a deal could be close.
But what exactly will this deal look like? For many, the resolution of the negotiations between the PIF–LIV Golf’s financial arm–and the PGA Tour will see the world’s best players back competing against each other more often. Even Rory McIlroy, one of LIV‘s biggest cynics, says reunification must occur.
For McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, the prospect of competing against LIV’s best more regularly is exciting. The best players in the world want to win tournaments while beating high-level fields.
However, there will be those on the PGA Tour who are slightly more apprehensive about LIV stars returning.
‘Danger’ for PGA Tour players if LIV Golf merger happens
Ryan Lavner, speaking during the latest Golf Channel Podcast, believes those outside the FedEx Cup top 50 could be in danger if the game does reunify.
Lavner explained: “Competitively, the reason there is going to be friction is that these guys on LIV are coming back to the PGA Tour and potentially cherry-picking starts in the biggest events that mean the most to the players and mean the most in terms of player status, so if you are outside the top 50 in the Tour’s FedEx Cup, you are immediately in danger by the prospect of these LIV players coming back and playing on the PGA Tour, and I think that is where a lot of the animosity and bitterness is going to stem from.”
The Golf Channel pundit also predicted a frosty reception for the breakaway league players who do one day return.
“I don’t anticipate there to be a particularly warm welcome for some of these guys when they come back in whatever fashion it is,” he added.
“Whether it be as sponsors exemptions to the signature events or putting them in full field events. I think there is going to be friction between the players who come back and the PGA Tour players, besides DJ, who I think would be universally embraced because everyone loves DJ. There is probably going to be some friction there.”
The latest on the PGA Tour’s talks with the PIF
Rumours emerged in November suggesting that the PIF was close to acquiring an 11% stake in the PGA Tour Enterprises, and fresh news emerged regarding the ongoing negotiations.
An announcement could even be made before the Masters after those on the PGA Tour side recently engaged in talks with President Donald Trump.
Jay Monahan and Adam Scott met with Trump last week, and Tiger Woods also played a round with the President in Florida. Trump, who is a lover of the game and has close connections with the Saudis, is expected to help push the proposed agreement through the Department of Justice.
PGA Tour players who could be impacted by LIV Golf merger
Circling back to Lavner’s claim on those outside the FedEx Cup top 50, let’s take a look at some of the big names who could have been impacted in 2024.
South Korean star Tom Kim placed 59th last year and could have been pushed even further out if LIV Golf players were present. It would have been a similar story for Justin Rose, who ended the year in 62nd.
Min Woo Lee and Jordan Spieth also finished well outside the FedEx Cup top 50 last season.
Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Tony Finau and Tommy Fleetwood are four names outside the FedEx Cup top 50 in 2025, although all four will likely make the Tour Championship at East Lake.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
