Are LIV Golf players finally getting recognition? For a long time, the Saudi-based league struggled to get its players validated by the OWGR. But, it always seemed like things were a step too far away. However, things took a positive turn when the reports of the PIF-PGA Tour merger broke out. Unfortunately, even the conversation about the merger has been dragging along for a couple of years now with no substantial update as of now. This has turned the situation between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf a lot more stressful. Especially when the two leagues have been battling for supremacy in golf.

And then, a big change occurred in LIV Golf. The Saudi-based league released Greg Norman from his duties as CEO. Soon after his departure, the merger process seems to have picked up a lot of pace. The fans have witnessed a lot of changes over the past few hours. First, the PGA Tour announced that Jay Monahan and Adam Scott had approached the 47th POTUS, Donald Trump. Considering Trump’s relationship with the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and its players, he was a great candidate to lead the charge for the completion of the deal. This seems to have had a positive impact on the other governing bodies as well.

Fresh reports have emerged stating that another authoritative body has opened its gates to Bryson DeChambeau and Co. As confirmed by Flushing It on X, “The R&A will follow the USGA’s lead and hand direct spots to The Open Championship for LIV players via the official standings list. It’s unclear how many will available at this stage, but it’s another huge step in the validation of the league.” This confirms that besides the news of some spots being opened for LIV players in the US Open, they will also get spots in the Open Championship depending on their performance throughout the season.

The post by the media outlet also added, “Your move Augusta National…,” questioning the Masters Tournament executives to catch up. Fans may start hoping that LIV Golf and the PGA Tour complete the merger in the near future. That means stars like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Sergio Garcia might return to the PGA Tour schedule. If that does happen, then it will not only benefit LIV Golf but also have a positive impact on the PGA Tour’s TV rating crisis, ultimately leading to growth in the sport.

With hopes of the merger becoming more of a reality soon, let’s see what changes fans can look forward to after the merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour is finalized.

Bryson DeChambeau & Co. might resolve the PGA Tour’s problems

Getting their former big-name players back into the league will definitely add a lot of value to the PGA Tour’s product. As we are aware, LIV Golf has been strict about their pace of play ever since the league’s initiation. They have publically fined their players for slow play, ensuring the professionals always stay alert about how much time they spend on every stroke. In fact, in just the 3 years of their existence, LIV Golf has already fined their players as often as the PGA Tour has done in 30 years.

Getting high-caliber fast-playing golfers in their fields will certainly promote an improved pace-of-play mentality in the PGA Tour, something Jay Monahan and CO. have been criticized about. Alternatively, getting the opportunity to watch Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm play together in Signature events all across the year is a blessing for the fans. This will surely improve the viewership for the PGA Tour.

Do you think that other major tournaments will also open their doors to LIV Golf players soon? Share your views in the comments section.