On Wednesday morning, Golf Channel reported that Adam Scott, a PGA Tour Player Director, described his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as highly constructive. Scott met with President Trump on February 4 alongside PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Tiger Woods as part of his role on the Player Advisory Council. According to the PGA Tour, the meeting aimed to facilitate the swift conclusion of negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Scott said the meeting lasted approximately 40 minutes and was a very positive step for the tour in its negotiations with PIF. He emphasized that Trump’s well-known passion for golf is a major advantage in the merger discussions.
“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,” Scott said. “Given how things are sitting with the Department of Justice among the professional game, this is all crazy stuff, he’s a lover of the game and hopefully will be very helpful for the professional game and help everybody move forward.”
The meeting was reportedly arranged by Woods, who has had a long-standing relationship with President Trump. Since its inception, Trump has firmly supported LIV Golf and has hosted LIV tournaments at his golf courses. Recently, he also sent an official condolence message to Woods following the passing of his mother.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf are engaged in ongoing merger negotiations. Although the shocking merger announcement was made in June 2023 with expectations of finalizing the deal within six months, discussions are still ongoing. Observers suggest that the U.S. Department of Justice’s scrutiny of the merger for potential antitrust violations has delayed the process. However, with Trump—a passionate golf enthusiast—taking an interest, expectations are growing that his involvement could help facilitate the merger.