After lots of speculation and delay, the PGA Tour-PIF deal which was in talks from 2023, is finally getting some traction. The PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott visited President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting was in place to gain the federal government’s support in confirming the deal. Monahan and Scott would also be hoping that President Trump’s involvement means that the approval is accelerated and is not stuck in a lengthy bureaucratic process.

The 40-minute meeting between the three was reportedly set up by Tiger Woods, of whom Trump is a big fan. The meeting was a continuation of the promise Trump had given in November of last year. While speaking to former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and journalist Jim Gray, Trump clarified, “I think we have much bigger problems than that. But I do think, you know, we should have one tour, and they should have the best players. But I think it will come together. Yeah, I could certainly help it. I could probably get it done. I would say it would take me the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done.”

And the meeting was a huge stepping stone for that. Adam Scott felt that Trump’s influence will be a vital factor in bringing this deal to fruition. “It’s just a positive thing that the President of the United States is such a lover of the game of golf and understands some of the challenges facing the professional game at the moment.”

The deal which has been a talking point in golfing circles over the last year, was scrutinized by the US  Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Hearings were held on Capitol Hill in 2023. Currently, the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division is reviewing the deal and the potential investment from the Saudi-backed PIF into the for-profit organization, PGA Tour Enterprises. “Given how things are sitting with the Department of Justice among the professional game, this is all crazy stuff,” clarified Scott, after the meeting with the President.

The president owns around 17 golf courses throughout the world and has hosted several golfing events including PGA and LPGA Tour events. He is also an avid player and was recently featured in a video along with LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau. “The president is passionate about golf, he owns several golf properties, fabulous destinations around the world. He has a relationship with Saudi Arabia and the Public Investment Fund.”

Despite a conclusion to the deal looking highly likely, certain netizens are not completely on board. While there are certain political naysayers, some fans are more miffed about the fact that the President does not treat the game of golf with respect.

Fans not overly excited about President Trump’s involvement

One netizen was particularly aghast that Trump was involved in the deal. Trump does have a history of lying about his conquests on the green. In January 2023, he was listed as a winner of a Senior Club Championship at Trump International West Palm Beach, but a fun fact: he did not play the first round. “You just know he cheats at golf,” stated the user.

Another user also was appalled by Trump’s cheating history. The current POTUS had an incident where he shifted his own ball placement and later told golfers that the ball was his. He further implied that the people around him must have missed the tee shot landing on the green. “He is a known golf cheater. He lies about winning Club Championships. He lies about his scores. He takes 10 foot gimmees.”

When the reputation of the game is in question, Trump is the last person who deserves to represent the sport. The netizen further added, “Golf is supposed to be the gentleman’s game and he’s the exact opposite of a gentleman. How can anyone like a pathetic golf cheater?”

While Donald Trump’s support for the cause is evident, it could be that he has a more financial motive. Out of the 17 golf courses the President owns, 12 are in the USA, with three in Florida, three in New York, and three in New Jersey. More golf means more utility for his golf courses. Trump’s eye for business is remarkable.  “Supporter of the game? How many golf courses do you think he owns?” exclaimed one user, showing the incredulity of the entire situation.

One guy put a bit more context to the whole scenario. He stated, “Helpful? You mean this guy Adam?” The user then tagged a quote from Trump after the deadly crash over the Potomac River on January 29, which took the lives of 67 people. The mid-air collision that happened between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines was the first major American commercial passenger flight crash since 2009. Trump, during his statement, compared the crash to going to a driving range. “Did you ever see, you go to a driving range in golf and you’re hitting balls, hundreds of balls, thousands of hours. I never see a ball hit another ball. Balls going up all over the place. You never see ‘em hit, it was amazing that could happen.”

Whether President Donald Trump is worthy of golfing praise or not, his influence is necessary to pull the PGA-PIF Deal through. The fact that he wants it resolved as soon as possible is in itself a step in the right direction. What do you think?