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The latest development in the PIF and PGA Tour merger agreement negotiations is that the former will own 6% of the Tour according to reports. The agreement is inching closer to a confirmation with top golfers like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods reportedly involved in negotiations.
According to Bloomberg Business, the two parties are "nearing a deal". The news of PIF's stake in the PGA Tour comes a month after reports suggested that the merger agreement will be closed at a staggering $1.3 billion.
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Nothing concrete has been confirmed by either party. However, almost every golfer who has spoken up on the ongoing deal has expressed a desire for a quick resolution. With golfers on LIV facing heavy sanctions and/or suspensions from the PGA Tour and European Tour, reports of the deal being almost finalized would be welcome news for many players.
In late November, it was reported that Jon Rahm was advised to appeal his $1 million fine as a loophole by the DP World Tour leadership. Following the appeal, Rahm was able to participate in the minimum required four tournaments to retain his DP World Tour card.
"He might be able to do something" - Rory McIlroy on Donald Trump's position as US President aiding the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger talks
Donald Trump was recently elected as the US President for a non-consecutive second term. Trump has been a supporter of LIV Golf since the Saudi-backed league's inception in 2022. Several of the circuit's tournaments were also played on his golf courses.
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy thinks the president-elect's ties with tech giant Elon Musk might be helpful in advancing the LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger talks. He said (via Business Insider):
"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."
McIlroy added:
"I think from the outside looking in, it's probably a little less complicated than it actually is."
However, McIlroy did acknowledge that as president, Trump would have much more on his plate than helping the negotiations.
"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? But I think as the president of the United States again, he's probably got bigger things to focus on than golf."
The 4-time Major champion had been a staunch critic of LIV Golf and vocally supportive of the PGA Tour. However, over the years, he has changed his stance on the subject.
