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Golf Leaders Discuss Potential Reunification of PGA and LIV Tours

Jay Monahan and Rory McIlroy emphasize the need for professional golf unity, but details on a merger remain unresolved.

February 2, 2025; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Rory McIlroy hits his chip shot on the second hole during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images/File Photo
Sep 24, 2023; Sugar Grove, Illinois, USA; Greg Norman watches the action on the 11th green during the final round of the LIV Golf Chicago golf tournament at Rich Harvest Farms. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
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A view shows the logo of PGA Tour during the Canadian Open’s Championship Pro-Am after news was released of a new partnership between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 7, 2023.  REUTERS/Nick Lachance/File Photo

Overview

  • PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has confirmed ongoing discussions with LIV Golf and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) toward a potential merger focused on unifying professional golf under one tour.
  • Rory McIlroy, once a vocal critic of LIV Golf, now supports reunification and urges players to move forward for the benefit of the sport.
  • Legal experts have argued that the PGA Tour's bans on LIV players could violate antitrust laws, which has influenced the shift toward negotiations and potential reintegration.
  • LIV Golf's CEO Scott O’Neil envisions collaboration while maintaining LIV’s identity, but Monahan insists on full unification under PGA Tour governance.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice is scrutinizing the proposed PIF investment, adding complexity to the negotiations and delaying concrete resolutions.