Over the weekend, President-elect Donald Trump played a round of golf with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. This meeting has sparked discussions about the future of professional golf, especially concerning the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Prior to his election victory, Trump expressed confidence in his ability to resolve the division in men's professional golf, stating it would take him "the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done."
Following his election, World No. 3 Rory McIlroy suggested that Trump's administration might expedite an agreement between the PGA Tour and the PIF.
In addition to his game with Monahan, Trump was seen with LIV Golf chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan at UFC 339 in Madison Square Garden, New York. While specific details of their discussions remain confidential, a PGA Tour spokesperson commented:
"President-elect Trump has always been a champion of the game of golf, and Commissioner Monahan was honoured to accept his invitation to play at Trump International. The president-elect and the commissioner share a love for the game and enjoyed their time together."
DP World Tour Chief Executive Guy Kinnings also acknowledged Trump's passion for golf, describing him as someone who "clearly cares about the game and loves it."
In June 2023, the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf announced a framework agreement to collaborate, aiming to end a prolonged and costly legal battle. However, finalizing the deal has proven challenging. Recent reports indicate that an agreement may be near, with the PIF potentially investing $1.5 billion for an 11% stake in the Tour. Additionally, Al-Rumayyan is expected to be named chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises.
McIlroy has previously praised Al-Rumayyan as a "very impressive man." Regarding Trump's involvement, McIlroy noted:
"Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He's got a great relationship with golf. He's a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows? But I think as the President of the United States again, he's probably got bigger things to focus on than golf."
As the golf world anticipates potential changes, Trump's engagement with key figures like Monahan and Al-Rumayyan could influence the sport's direction in the coming years.