After nearly two years of drama, power moves, and confusion, the winds of change in the golf world are starting to pick up speed. The long-awaited merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) might finally be on the horizon, with confirmation expected in the coming months. We’ve been here before, though. Few could have predicted that endless power struggles would follow the June 2023 framework agreement. But lately, the momentum is undeniable. Both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, which the PIF funds, are hinting that a final deal could be close.

On Thursday, February 20, a pivotal meeting took place at the White House, bringing together Commissioner Jay Monahan, Player Directors Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, alongside President Donald Trump and H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan. The gathering marked a significant step toward reunifying the golf world after a long period of tension and division. Following the meeting, a statement from the key figures involved revealed the progress made in their discussions. “We have just concluded a constructive working session at the White House with President Trump and H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan,” the statement began. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, we have initiated a discussion about the reunification of golf.”

The statement went on to emphasize their shared commitment to moving forward quickly. “We are committed to moving as quickly as possible and will share additional details as appropriate.” At the core of their conversation was a deep passion for the game and a shared desire to see the world’s best players come together more often. “Most importantly, we all want the best players in the world playing together more often and are committed to doing all we can to deliver that outcome for our fans,” the statement concluded. In the latest episode of Dan on Golf, Riggs Barstool was asked for his thoughts about the meeting. To which he answered, “Trump does a lot of talking. I think he does a lot of talking in general. It’s interesting. This has been such a shocking saga.”

In February 2022, Rory McIlroy, who is now for the merger, boldly declared that LIV Golf was “dead in the water,” dismissing the idea that the Saudi-backed league posed any real threat. At the time, a group of top golfers had ruled out making the move to LIV, leaving McIlroy to confidently write off the series. Fast forward just six months and LIV Golf had proven McIlroy wrong, making significant strides in the golfing world. Led by former world No. 1 Greg Norman, LIV Golf signed some of the sport’s biggest names, including world No. 2 Cameron Smith, who leaped after winning the Open Championship. Smith joined a growing list of high-profile players, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, all now part of the LIV circuit. What once seemed like an impossible challenge turned into a major disruptor in the world of professional golf.

While the merger might seem to be close, it is true that it brings with it some serious challenges. Reports suggest that the PGA Tour’s long-term goal is to eventually shut down LIV Golf. An industry insider even mentioned that Saudi investors are set on keeping LIV’s team golf format. However, top players like Rory McIlroy aren’t keen on a full-time team structure. This puts players like Bryson DeChambeau and others in a tough spot. So, will LIV survive, or will team golf fade away as the PGA Tour takes in its best players?

What might happen to the LIV Golfers?

On the latest episode of The Smylie Show, golf journalist Gabby Herzig shed light on the tricky situation surrounding the merger. With so many different interests at play, she pointed out how difficult it is to create a unified tour. Herzig mentioned Yasir Al-Rumayyan as the key figure behind LIV Golf, noting that he reassured players the team format would stay the same. However, she also heard that some players might not agree to a deal unless it keeps the team golf structure in place. This creates a big challenge in merging the traditional PGA Tour with LIV’s team-based approach.

Herzig even proposed a model similar to the UEFA Champions League or Formula 1, where international competitions bring together top athletes. But she was doubtful about how team golf could fit in, saying, “I have no idea how team golf will survive that model.” Smylie Kaufman, the show’s host, added his thoughts, feeling that the PGA Tour might ultimately want to dissolve LIV Golf. But the situation isn’t any clearer. Another factor in play is the political landscape. Herzig raised the question of whether Trump’s efforts to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia could influence the merger’s outcome. She mentioned Rory McIlroy as a figure involved in the conversation, noting that there’s strategic messaging happening, but emphasized the importance of balanced discussions to keep LIV Golf and its players in the mix.

The fate of players like Bryson DeChambeau, who might have to rejoin the PGA Tour under new terms if LIV Golf dissolves, is still uncertain. With so much on the line, the golf world is watching closely for more updates. PGA Tour players might also face challenges as LIV players navigate their unclear future—could the merger bring problems for them, too? We’ll have to wait and see!