- Donald Trump’s US election win is fueling hope for an end to the rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
- The launch of the Saudi-backed LIV tour has led to significant disruption in the sport.
- Golf star Rory McIlroy said he thinks Trump and Musk could help broker a peace deal.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House is fueling hope of an end to the divide between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
Golf star Rory McIlroy suggested earlier this week that Trump and Elon Musk could help accelerate a deal between the two tours, which have been embroiled in an at-times bitter spat with each other since LIV Golf launched in 2022.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, McIlroy, a four-time major-winner, said: “He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. So he might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too.”
The Northern Irishman, who has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf, added: “I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is.”
“But obviously, 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?” he said, adding: “But I think as the president of the United States again, he’s probably got bigger things to focus on than golf.”
Feuds between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, which is funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, had broken out over the huge amounts of money being thrown at LIV recruits and questions over their eligibility for major tournaments and international competitions.
The tours announced a tentative framework agreement aimed at bringing the sides together in 2023, but that has seemingly stalled.
Trump, a keen golfer who owns golf properties around the world, spoke about the split on Bill Belichick’s Let’s Go podcast earlier this week.
“I do think we should have one tour,” Trump said.”I think it’ll come together. I could certainly help it.”
“I would say it would take me the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done,” he added.
