PGA Tour and PIF ‘inching closer to merger agreement… but players want Jon Rahm and Co to HAND BACK the cash from mega-money LIV Golf deals’

By Daniel Matthews

Published: 16:34 BST, 17 September 2024 | Updated: 16:43 BST, 17 September 2024

The PGA Tour is ‘inching closer’ to a deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund – which funds LIV Golf – but Jon Rahm’s $500million defection remains a stumbling block in golf’s ongoing civil war.

That is according to reports following last week’s meeting between the PIF and PGA Tour officials in New York.

They announced a proposed merger in June 2023 but talks now center around investment by Saudi Arabia into PGA Tour Enterprises.

Bloomberg claims that last week’s talks saw the two sides edge nearer towards an agreement over the financial details but a deal remains far from guaranteed.

It’s said that one lingering issue is what happens to those players who signed lucrative deals to defect from the PGA Tour.

The PGA Tour is reportedly ‘inching closer’ to a deal with the Saudi PIF – which funds LIV Golf

Jon Rahm’s LIV contract – which is believed to be worth $500m – is the subject of tension

In particular, Rahm’s LIV contract – signed late last year and believed to be worth $500m – is the subject of tension. 

According to Bloomberg, some PGA Tour stars want Rahm – and other players – to return the money they made from LIV.

Other proposed solutions could see LIV rebels pay fines to play in events or give money to charity or even forfeit future winnings on the PGA Tour.

Reports claim, however, that Rahm and other rebels have so far refused to agree to any deal that would punish them for crossing golf’s divide.

Spanish star Rahm made $22million last week after winning the LIV Golf season title

The Spaniard, who made $22million last week after winning the LIV Golf individual title, has already appealed against six-figure fines imposed by the DP World Tour in an 11th hour maneuver to save his Ryder Cup future.

Another stumbling block reportedly centers around persuading PGA Tour stars to play in LIV Golf events around the world.

Tiger Woods is among a small group of PGA Tour player-directors, while Rory McIlroy is a member of the team negotiating with PIF.

Last week’s meeting in New York was slammed by families of 9/11 victims, who branded it ‘disgusting, unacceptable, and incredibly painful.’

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PGA Tour and PIF ‘inching closer to merger agreement… but players want Jon Rahm and Co to HAND BACK the cash from mega-money LIV Golf deals’

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