The three-way deal between the LIV Golf-PGA Tour-DP World Tour has been an enigma since the beginning. With a primary deadline of December 31 this year, the deal looks nowhere near being complete. There has been one obstacle after another; objections from players and an investigation from the US Department of Justice have halted progress.

Most people believe the players might have some clue as to what is on behind closed doors. It turns out, it’s not just the rank and file. Even the players are in the dark, with only slight hints about when the deal could be completed. One LIV defector recently opened up about the hot mess that the golf world has become.

LIV Golf pro makes bold admission

Graeme McDowell was one of the big names from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to join the breakaway league. Unlike his Northern Irish compatriot, Rory McIlroy, who would perhaps be happy if the deal fell apart, McDowell hopes for a peaceful result.

Speaking to the Northern Irish golfer ahead of the Volvo China Open 2023, the 44-year-old golfer was candid about his lack of knowledge on the $3 billion merger. “You guys know about as much as I do in regards (to) the status of that merger. We read the rumours, (sic) we hear rumours, (sic) but really don’t know what is going on.” 

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However, unlike Phil Mickelson, the former PGA Tour pro doesn’t hold any grudge against his previous employer and hopes for a favorable outcome of the deal. “I’m hopeful that there is going to be some type of alignment between the PGA Tour and LIV, the two biggest tours in (the) world right now because I think that is good for the sport,” said the 2010 US Open winner. 

McDowell admits he didn’t foresee the mess that has been created after LIV Golf’s inception. “I don’t think any of us going to LIV wanted the game to be fractured the way it’s been fractured,” he said. But when will the fracture be mended?

The four-time PGA Tour winner is hopeful that a likely outcome will be reached before the Masters next year, which is on April 8, 2024. “It’s a very pivotal time between now and the end of (the) year and then maybe the Masters. What happens between now and Augusta is going to define where this game of golf goes for the next five years.”

The importance of the deal happening before the Masters is not lost on anyone. The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR)’s refusal to grant points to LIV Golf players was a huge blow to their hopes for being at the Majors. A potential breakthrough could ppen the doors for them to take part in the Majors.

Can LIV Golfers play at the Majors?

The OWGR’s denial of points to LIV Golf hurt the Saudi-backed league in ways more than one. For the Public Investment Fund (PIF), convincing new players to join the upstart league will become more difficult. While for current players, without OWGR points, their world rankings have fallen drastically. Which means their eligibility for the Majors is in serious doubt.

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Although former Major winners like Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau have called for some exemptions to LIV Golf pros, none of the organizing committees are yet to buzz. Contrarily, they have denied reports of making any special exception to include LIV Golf players.

Graeme McDowell is right to hope for a positive result of the deal that will put all the dilemmas to rest. However, with no end in sight for the negotiations, it’s unclear when his hopes will materialize.

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