The PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf: A Deal in the Works or Just More Divots?

Golf’s ongoing soap opera between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf took another twist this week as PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan struck a firmer stance on the negotiations. In his annual press conference ahead of The Players Championship, Monahan made it clear that while talks continue, any deal won’t come at the cost of the Tour’s strength.

For months, golf fans have been hearing about a possible agreement that could reunite the sport’s fractured landscape. Yet, despite "proactive" discussions—including those facilitated by President Donald Trump—Monahan hinted that progress has hit a rough patch. While some hurdles have been cleared, others remain, and the details of a potential deal are still murky.

Where Does a PGA Tour-LIV Deal Stand?

The key takeaway from Monahan’s latest comments is that while he sees a future where LIV Golf and the PGA Tour find common ground, the PGA won’t settle for a deal that undermines its position. This echoes the sentiment from Rory McIlroy, who recently stated, "I don't think the PGA Tour needs a deal."

Monahan didn’t provide specifics on what LIV’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan is asking for or what elements of LIV Golf might be integrated into the PGA Tour. He also sidestepped questions about whether team golf, a staple of LIV’s format, is a deal-breaker.

One of the most interesting parts of Monahan’s statement was his praise for Trump’s role in the discussions. He credited the President’s involvement with helping bring both sides to the table, even if no major breakthrough has been made. However, there are currently no future meetings scheduled with Trump or Al-Rumayyan, making it unclear when—or if—talks will move forward.

Tiger Woods Faces Another Setback

In a development that has sent shockwaves through the golf community, Tiger Woods announced he has ruptured his left Achilles tendon while ramping up his training at home. The 49-year-old underwent minimally invasive surgery performed by Dr. Charlton Stucken at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida. The procedure was successful, and a full recovery is expected. However, this injury is likely to sideline Woods for the entire major season, including the Masters in April and The Open at Royal Portrush in July.

This setback adds to a series of recent challenges for Woods, who had been preparing for a comeback following a nerve impingement surgery on his lower back in September 2024. He has not played on the PGA Tour since July 2024. Additionally, Woods has been actively involved in the negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, attending recent White House meetings with key figures from both organizations.

What Does This Mean for Golf?

For players and fans, this ongoing drama feels like a never-ending match stuck in sudden death with no winner in sight. Justin Thomas admitted that "we’re past the level of exhaustion" when it comes to the LIV-PGA conversation.

With no clear roadmap for a deal, golf remains at a crossroads. Will we see a unification that brings top players back under one umbrella, or will the split continue indefinitely? For now, the only certainty is that the debate isn’t ending anytime soon.

At a time when competitive golf needs him the most, Tiger will not be teeing it up at The Masters this year. With the future of competitive golf, no more clear today than it was a year ago, the future of Tiger Woods seems even less clear.

-Marty Midian