The PGA Tour's potential partnership with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the DP World Tour is facing scrutiny and challenges as the framework agreement expired on December 31, 2023. Despite ongoing efforts to finalize the deal, significant roadblocks remain. In a bid to expedite the process, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump's involvement aims to speed up federal approval for the tour's proposed deal with the PIF.
The proposed alliance between the PGA Tour and the PIF has sparked attention from various governmental bodies. The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has been examining the deal. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust division is reviewing the potential PIF investment into PGA Tour Enterprises. These inquiries highlight the complexities surrounding the proposed partnership.
Trump, an avid golfer whose companies own more than a dozen golf courses worldwide, has expressed interest in aiding the deal. His influence in the golfing world is notable, with his Miami golf club, Trump National Doral Golf Course, set to host a LIV Golf tournament on April 4-6. His courses in Gainesville, Virginia, and Bedminster, New Jersey, have also hosted LIV events in the past.
"I could certainly help it. I could probably get it done. I would say it would take me the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done." – Donald Trump
The inclusion of team golf in the annual schedule remains another significant unresolved issue in the ongoing negotiations. The potential deal with the PIF represents a substantial step toward reunifying men's professional golf, but consensus on various aspects is yet to be reached.
The Saudi government's denial of any involvement in the 9/11 attacks adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations. Although 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals, Saudi Arabia has consistently denied any role in the attacks.
In an effort to foster relationships and facilitate discussions, Monahan played golf with Trump at his club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in November. Additionally, Trump attended a UFC fight in New York alongside PIF governor Yasir al-Rumayyan and Elon Musk.
"I've known these people for a long time in Saudi Arabia, and they've been friends of mine for a long time." – Donald Trump
The PGA Tour's deal with the PIF is anticipated to bring significant investment into PGA Tour Enterprises. The PIF is prepared to invest $1.5 billion, which would be a game-changer for men's professional golf.
"Many American companies, they own big percentages of many American companies, and frankly what they're doing for golf is so great." – Donald Trump
In a statement, Monahan, Scott, and player director Tiger Woods expressed appreciation for Trump's efforts. They acknowledged that his involvement has brought them closer to finalizing a deal with the PIF.
Despite Trump's eagerness to assist, he remains focused on other priorities.
"I'm going to really work on other things, to be honest with you." – Donald Trump
"You know, I think we have much bigger problems than that. But I do think, you know, we should have one tour, and they should have the best players." – Donald Trump
Leave a Reply