Donald Trump is inserting himself into the ongoing PGA Tour–LIV Golf merger talks, aiming to help broker a deal between the fractured tours. He’s met with top figures like Jay Monahan, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy, though negotiations haven’t been fruitful—yet he remains confident in the merger.
Key Tensions:
Rory McIlroy initially condemned LIV but later became a mediator. He recently downplayed the need for a deal, saying the PGA Tour had momentum—but Trump’s high-profile appearance at LIV Miami seems to undercut that optimism.
🚨🚁🇺🇸 #NEW: Marine One has landed on the course with President Trump arriving on the grounds at Doral for this week’s LIV Golf event. He will reportedly attend a dinner this evening with the tournament, per @HowardMortman pic.twitter.com/XXbLENCaz1
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 3, 2025
Trump’s Role is murky. He claims to be involved in brokering a deal but is also closely aligned with LIV, having hosted events and now giving speeches at their dinners.
Contradictions are clear: McIlroy once said Trump wasn’t a fan of LIV’s format, yet Trump now appears to be all in on the Saudi-backed league.
Future Uncertain: The merger faces big hurdles—like format differences, reintegration of players, and power dynamics with SSG and PIF both in the picture.
Hot Take Possibilities:
Trump as a “bridge-builder or opportunist”?
McIlroy’s misread of Trump: diplomatic slip or media spin?
LIV vs PGA: Can even Trump fix a cultural clash masked as a business deal?
What’s your angle?
Want help crafting a social post, headline, or think piece from this story? Or want a fiery take to post in a golf group?