There are growing expectations that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger may not proceed smoothly.
Recently, Adam Scott of Australia, as a PGA Tour Policy Board representative, met with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods, and U.S. President Donald Trump. They reportedly discussed the stalled negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf during this meeting. Following this meeting, expectations have risen within the golf world that the merger, which has been ongoing for approximately one year and eight months, may soon be finalized.
As the merger talks progress, questions are growing about how the integration between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will be structured. Since its inception, LIV Golf has attracted PGA Tour players by offering hefty transfer fees, while the PGA Tour responded firmly by revoking their tour membership and playing privileges. If the two organizations merge, significant opposition from PGA Tour players who remained with the organization is expected. Speaking to the Associated Press on Wednesday, Scott said it is unsurprising that concerns exist over the merger with LIV Golf. He added that he holds no resentment toward those who are unhappy about the return of players who previously left for LIV.
Scott emphasized the situation’s complexity, stating, “They’re trying to do the best thing for the entire membership. But it’s not solely the Tour’s decision, you know what I mean? I do know that we’re not going to please everyone, but everyone should know that I will stand behind these player directors. It’s not been an easy thing to solve. Otherwise, we’d have solved it, I believe.” His comments hint at the merger’s imminent completion despite the challenges ahead.
Shifts in sentiment regarding the merger can also be observed through comments from PGA Tour players. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, one of the most vocal critics of players defecting to LIV Golf, recently took a more conciliatory stance upon hearing that negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf were accelerating. He stated that it is time to move forward together and start fresh.