The PGA Tour has requested that President Donald Trump work with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to broker a deal that could pave the way for a long-awaited alliance between the two parties.
The LIV Golf League, which has attracted some of the PGA Tour’s stars with its lucrative deals and tournament payouts, is financially supported by the PIF.
The PGA Tour stated in a statement on Thursday that Trump had a meeting with Jay Monahan, the commissioner, and Adam Scott, the player director.
The statement, signed by Monahan, Scott, and Tiger Woods, read, “We know golf fans are eagerly anticipating a resolution to negotiations with the Public Investment Fund.”
“We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved. We are appreciative of his leadership in facilitating a breakthrough in men’s professional golf, resulting in a final agreement.
More than 18 months have passed since the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF announced a “framework agreement” for an alliance that shocked the sports industry. The parties blew past a self-imposed December 31, 2023, deadline to finalise the deal.
The only real news from last year was in June when PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan met with PGA Tour officials in New York the week before the anniversary of the framework agreement.
Trump has some credibility and standing among the LIV founders.
Similar to in 2023, his Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami holds an event in April. That year, Trump courses in Washington, DC, and Bedminster, NJ, also held LIV events.
On Tuesday, Trump said he would soon visit the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, although no exact date was announced.
Source: Aljazeera
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