Former Masters champion Adam Scott has revealed that a recent meeting with Donald Trump and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan could help accelerate negotiations in the ongoing PGA-LIV Golf merger talks.
The Australian golfer described the White House meeting, which took place last Tuesday, as “positive” for efforts to reunite men’s golf stars.
Scott expressed optimism about Trump’s potential role, citing the president’s understanding of professional golf’s current challenges and his relationships with key stakeholders.
“The president is passionate about golf, owns several golf properties, fabulous destinations around the world,” Scott told Golf Channel.
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He highlighted Trump’s existing relationship with Saudi Arabia and the Public Investment Fund, whilst noting the former president’s support for the PGA Tour.
“He’s certainly a fan of Tiger Woods. Most people are,” Scott added, suggesting Trump’s connections could prove valuable in the negotiations.
The 44-year-old Australian emphasised Trump’s role as “a lover of the game” who understands the challenges facing professional golf.
LIV Golf’s debut in 2022 led to several top stars departing the PGA Tour, resulting in their subsequent ban from PGA events.
Currently, major tournaments remain the only venues where LIV and PGA stars can compete against each other.
Tiger Woods has a close relationship with Donald TrumpGETTY
A “framework agreement” between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the PGA Tour was announced in June 2023.
However, 14 months after the initial deadline, negotiations to unite LIV and PGA talent under one banner remain incomplete.
Scott expressed hope that Trump could help address concerns about the merger from the Department of Justice.
“The difficult thing for maybe the administrations to understand — why professional golf coming back together, working more harmoniously let’s say, is not a breech of anti-trust or anticompetitive issues,” Scott explained.
The Australian believes Trump’s involvement could expedite the stalled negotiations.
“Given this has been tied up, he can be very helpful,” Scott said, hoping for things to “move forward at a faster pace.”
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Donald Trump met with Jay Monahan last week
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Woods played a key role in arranging the White House meeting, according to a Golf Channel source.
The 15-time major winner, who joined Trump for a round of golf on Sunday, serves alongside Scott on the board of directors of PGA Tour Enterprises.
This organisation would be the recipient of PIF investment should the merger deal be finalised.