The impending $3 billion merger that shocked the golf world is in the doldrums right now. The framework agreement expires on 31st December and the merger was supposed to be finalized before that. But the possibility of that happening doesn’t seem coming to life as both parties are currently weighing their options.

This week the PGA Tour released a memo to its players. It is mentioned in the memo that though they are focused on finalizing the agreement with PIF, the Tour is also getting lucrative offers from other potential investors.

LIV Golf and PIF unhappy with limited control after merger

The startling merger that aimed to gain a united front in American golf has its own fair share of problems in getting finalized. Apart from the unfulfilled desires of both parties with the terms and conditions of the agreement, there is also the biggest roadblock to getting government approval. 

The US Department of Justice is currently investigating all aspects related to the merger and as per sources they are reluctant to grant its approval towards authorizing it. As per ESPN, “The U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division was investigating certain aspects of the deal, which some feel will have difficulty gaining approval” a source told the channel.

The trusted source also commented on the state of negotiations. It said, “I don’t think it will ever happen. I don’t think the Department of Justice would ever approve a merger with the PGA Tour. And I don’t think the Saudis are pleased with how little influence they’d get in a merged entity. For those reasons, I don’t think the merger is ever going to happen.”

It also said that in case no proper conclusion is met then the date for the framework agreement could also be extended. This state of confusion presents some pressing questions for the Sanderson Farms Championship.

What does the delay mean for the future Sanderson Farms Championship?

In the middle of this alignment, the question of the future of the Sanderson Farms Championship future remains unanswered. Sanderson is the inaugural event for the PGA Tour and this year both leagues were expected to play together in the light of the merger. But that did not happen. For LIV Golf which hosts its events in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, China, Australia, Singapore, and Europe the venue of Jackson, Mississippi doesn’t feel like a strong option for LIV Golf’s future events.

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The team format won’t be an option for the tournament. If LIV doesn’t change in it, what will the PGA Tour make of the event is the question. However, the players want it to remain the way it is. Until the merger finalizes this and other questions will remain hanging in the air.

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