‘How does Monahan still have a job?’ Golf fans angered by PGA Tour-Donald Trump union
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The PGA Tour has enlisted the help of Donald Trump to aid negotiations with LIV Golf, but the public’s response has been less than positive…
It’s been more than 18 months since the PGA Tour and DP World Tour reached a “framework agreement” with LIV Golf to reunite the men’s game. The end of 2023 deadline for finalizing a deal has long since passed. And yet, despite the US Open making a groundbreaking decision to give LIV players a direct route into one of the four major championships, and The Open apparently about to follow suit, progress on fixing the fractures in elite golf seems minimal at best.
Now, like a kid in a schoolyard scrap threatening to call on his big brother, the PGA Tour has enlisted the help of President Donald Trump.
“We know golf fans are eagerly anticipating a resolution to negotiations with the Public Investment Fund and want to thank President Trump for his interest and long-time support of the game of golf,” said a PGA Tour statement signed by commissioner Jay Monahan alongside player directors Tiger Woods and Adam Scott.
“We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved. We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf.”
Trump had previously said “it would take me the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done,” which piqued Rory McIlroy’s interest.
“He might be able to,” the four-time major champion said at the time. “He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too.
“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?”
Golf fans responding to the PGA Tour’s statement seem less enthused, with most feeling underwhelmed by the statement and many questioning Monahan’s ability to navigate golf’s biggest tour through unchartered waters.
Golf fans respond angrily to PGA Tour relying on Donald Trump to aid LIV Golf union
LIV Golf hasn’t exactly become a mainstream success yet, but with its format continuing to improve, the recruitment of golf’s biggest YouTuber, and new TV deals being agreed, its status appears to be growing.
Though it’s unlikely to be sorted within 15 minutes, it might be in the PGA Tour’s interest to get a deal sorted sooner rather than later.
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The PGA Tour has enlisted the help of Donald Trump to aid negotiations with LIV Golf, but the public's response has been less than positive...
