LIV Golf Chairman Rubs Shoulders With Donald Trump After Crushing Blow from New PGA Tour Chief, Report 

In a very interesting turn of events, a few days after the new PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp, hinted at the fading of the merger talks, LIV Golf chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan was reportedly spotted along with Donald Trump recently. This has raised murmurs of a potential PGA Tour-LIV merger. After the last discussion in the White House earlier this year, Greg Norman, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Trump, and even Tiger Woods held meetings for a unification of the tour with the breakaway league. But since then, there have been no positive updates. However, now it seems that a new update is forthcoming. 

Josh Carpenter, SBJ reporter, has shared the update on the two attending the tennis US Open final from President Trump’s box. The post with the image of them standing during the national anthem had the caption, “LIV Golf chairman and Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan was in President Trump’s box at the U.S. Open final yesterday in New York. Both LIV and the PGA Tour are playing at Trump golf courses next year.” Well, this hasn’t been the first time the two were spotted together. Earlier, in 2024, Trump and Musk were seen enjoying the UFC 309, but the LIV Golf chairman was the one who took the spotlight. The images shared showed the two engaging in serious discussions, while Musk, with a smile, watched the match. So, this second appearance has made fans hopeful of a maybe in the merger again.

In 2025, during the White House discussions, even Rumayyan joined a meeting at the White House a few days later. The progress was evident as Monahan said, “We are committed to moving as quickly as possible and will share additional details as appropriate.” However, since then, things started to drift away.

Even with the new CEO, Brian Rolapp, shutting the curtains on any framework deal being done. “I have not spoken to anyone from the Public Investment Fund,” he had said during his first address. Additionally, even Adam Scott, who is on the PGA Tour policy board, had earlier revealed that there was no conversation going on regarding a potential merger. However, the two leagues that have events scheduled at the Trump golf courses have hinted at a strong influence from the 47th POTUS, which could change the dynamics. 

The use of Trump’s courses by both the leagues in 2026

2026 will mark the first time that both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour will host events on President Donald Trump’s owned courses. The Saudi-backed league has been hosting events at the Trump National Doral since its inception, but after four years, the league pulled the event from the schedule. However, the league went back to the Trump National Golf Club in Washington for the 2026 schedule. Earlier, the PIF league hosted the 2023 LIV Golf DC Tournament at the course, and now, for the 2026 schedule, they are back. The event is scheduled to be held from May 8 -10 as part of the 14-event schedule.

Even surprisingly, the PGA Tour is back at the Trump National Doral after a decade. The tour hosted the 2016 World Golf Championships- Cadillac Championship at the course. But now, after the break, it will carry on the 54-year history of the event. The course situated outside Miami is set to host a $20 million signature event, as per SBJ. The tournament is expected to be played from April 30 to May 3, which is three weeks after the Masters and two weeks ahead of the PGA Championship.

With the two leagues taking an active participation in the course, the influence of the POTUS is evident. However, it will be interesting to see if this is a possible merger agenda, then when will we get any update about it? What do you think about it? Share with us in the comments below.