Can Donald Trump Save Professional Golf?

The professional men’s golf world is currently in turmoil, struggling to find its footing amidst a clash between two competing giants: the well-established PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. This ongoing rivalry has divided both fans and players, creating challenges that extend beyond the green. Despite a surprise merger announcement nearly two years ago, disagreements and delays have left golf enthusiasts wondering whether the sport can truly be reunited.

With Donald Trump, a known golf enthusiast and owner of 20 golf courses worldwide, now back in the White House, the PGA Tour has reached out to him for help in smoothing out merger difficulties with LIV Golf. Trump’s history with the sport and his involvement with LIV make him a central figure in what could be the most significant development in modern golf history.

How the Merger Began and Fell Apart

Back in June 2023, the sports world was taken by surprise when the PGA Tour and LIV Golf revealed plans to merge. The deal promised that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) would become a key investor in the PGA Tour. Despite PIF’s substantial financial backing, the PGA was set to retain control over the merger and maintain a slight majority on the board of directors.

However, 20 months later, that deal has yet to become a reality. Instead of unity, the rivalry has grown more intense. LIV Golf recently secured a broadcasting agreement with Fox Sports. Allowing its tournaments to air on major channels like FS1, FS2, and Fox Business. At the same time, Greg Norman, the initial CEO of LIV Golf and a central figure in its founding, stepped down from his role.

For the PGA Tour, things haven’t been smooth either. The debut of TGL, a virtual indoor golf league spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has added yet another layer of complexity. This innovation has further fragmented viewership, leading to a dip in television ratings and betting activity at legal sportsbooks.

Trump’s Influence on Golf

Donald Trump has long been a passionate supporter of LIV Golf. His golf courses have served as venues for LIV tournaments, and he has consistently defended the Saudi-backed league. Even when it faced criticism from media and sports commentators. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump famously claimed that he could finalize the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf in “about 15 minutes.”

Given his deep ties to the sport, it wasn’t entirely surprising when the PGA Tour released a statement on February 6 acknowledging Trump’s involvement. They thanked him for his long-standing support of golf and expressed hope that his leadership could help overcome the challenges preventing a final merger. According to the statement, Trump’s intervention was requested “for the good of the game and all countries involved.”

While this development took aback many golf fans, it’s clear that Trump’s involvement could play a pivotal role in resolving the dispute.

LIV Golf’s Rise and Player Exodus

Since its launch, LIV Golf has shaken up the sport by offering massive contracts and guaranteed payouts. Attracting several of the world’s top players. Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Cameron Smith are just a few of the big names who have joined LIV. Lured by the promise of financial security and a different approach to tournament formats.

This exodus has weakened the PGA Tour. Many top players now only come together during the four major tournaments each year at The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. For fans and bettors alike, this fragmentation has diminished the excitement that once defined professional golf.

What’s Next for Golf?

The first major tournament of 2025, The Masters, is just around the corner. Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked as the world’s No. 1 golfer, is the defending champion and the favorite to win the coveted green jacket once again.

Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts are left wondering whether Trump can truly deliver on his promise to unify the sport. If successful, the merger could revolutionize professional golf. By combining the resources and talent pools of both tours, potentially restoring the sport to its former glory.

However, challenges remain. The PGA Tour and LIV Golf must find common ground. Not only on financial matters but also on governance and tournament structure. Additionally, questions about Saudi Arabia’s influence in the sport continue to spark debates among players, media, and fans.

The Stakes for the Future

A successful resolution to the PGA-LIV conflict would not just benefit the players and organizations but also the fans who have grown frustrated by the ongoing division. For sportsbooks and media outlets, a unified professional golf landscape could reignite interest and engagement. Leading to increased viewership and betting activity.

Whether Trump’s intervention will be the key to unlocking this future remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher for the game of golf. And the sport’s future may well rest on his ability to broker peace between these two rival tours.

Placing Bets on the PGA Championship can be done by choosing any of the sites on this list. All of these sites accept Bitcoin bets, are reputable and have been vetted by our Editors.