The world of professional golf has been abuzz with speculation and intrigue, as the divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continues to shape the sport. The PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger drama has taken another turn, with PGA Tour players demanding reparations from defectors who joined LIV Golf, including Jon Rahm, who signed a $500 million LIV contract. Proposed penalties include returning LIV Golf earnings, paying fines to participate in PGA Tour events, donating to charity, or forfeiting future PGA Tour winnings.
However, LIV Golf players, including Jon Rahm, refuse to accept any punitive terms, arguing that they took a risk by leaving the PGA Tour and deserve respect. Amidst the uncertainty, a glimmer of hope has emerged, as billionaire Steve Cohen has expressed optimism about a possible reunion between the two factions. Cohen, whose family office is part of the investor group that injected capital into PGA Tour Enterprises, believes that a reunion is possible, saying “It’s a lot of moving parts and I think we’ll get there,” Cohen said, adding that “the goal is to reunite all the players — it’s fragmented right now.” This statement is a significant development, as it suggests that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf may be willing to put aside their differences and work towards a unified future.
Josh Carpenter, who covers golf for Sports Business Journal and is a keen observer of the golfing world, recently made a post on X about Cohen’s statement. “Steve Cohen, the member of SSG who also owns the Mets and New York’s TGL team, said he sees PGA Tour and LIV golfers back together at some point. “It’s a lot of moving parts and I think we’ll get there”, he wrote.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Steve Cohen, the member of SSG who also owns the Mets and New York’s TGL team, said he sees PGA Tour and LIV golfers back together at some point.
“It’s a lot of moving parts and I think we’ll get there.” https://t.co/0d0mkHcMTT
— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter) November 26, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
If you’ve been following golf for a while, you may be familiar with the things Cohen has done for the golfing community. Don’t worry if you’re not, because we’ll list out some of them!
Steve Cohen’s investments in golf
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Steve Cohen, a billionaire investor and owner of the New York Mets, has a diverse portfolio of investments in the golf world. His family firm, Cohen Private Ventures, is part of the investor group that injected capital into PGA Tour Enterprises. This investment has given Cohen a significant stake in the future of professional golf. Additionally, Cohen is part of the Strategic Sports Group, which committed $3 billion to the PGA Tour in January. This massive investment is a testament to Cohen’s confidence in the growth and potential of professional golf.
Cohen’s investments in golf don’t stop there. He’s also invested in TGL, a new golf league that debuts in January, along with other big names like Derek Jeter and Eli Manning. His team, the New York Golf Club, features players like Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Young. With this investment, Cohen is helping to shape the future of professional golf and create new opportunities for players and fans alike.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
What’s your perspective on:
Are PGA Tour players right to demand reparations from LIV defectors, or is it time to move on?
Have an interesting take?