Back when Tiger Woods suggested a PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger was nearly done during the Genesis Invitational, few would have predicted that, by the end of 2025, a deal would still feel so far off.
For quite some time now, it’s felt like there’s been real momentum behind the idea of bringing the PGA Tour and LIV Golf closer together.
Tiger Woods expressed confidence in February that a merger was imminent, as both parties were scheduled for discussions at the White House. It was plausible to think that Donald Trump would want to claim credit for reuniting the sport.
Despite those meetings, however, nothing came out of it. And in fact, it later emerged that talks had completely stalled.
Scott O’Neil shares thoughts on LIV and PGA Tour working together
Most of the LIV schedule for 2026 has already been locked in, while the PGA Tour seems to be holding its own. Even so, there is still interest on both sides in reaching an agreement that works for everyone.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil spoke about the push to bring the sport back together during an appearance on The Colin Cowherd Podcast, suggesting that several obstacles have been cleared away – especially since Brian Rolapp took over at the PGA Tour.
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“I’m not sure it’s like the NFL, I think it’s more like NASCAR and Formula One. The question is should NASCAR and Formula One figure out a way to work together? I think so.
“Brian Rolapp and I went to school together so we know each other fairly well and have known each other for a long time. He is really early in his job, I think he’s two weeks in, and most importantly we have less scar tissue. That’s throughout the whole industry.
“I am new, the LPGA commissioner is new, Brian at the PGA Tour is new, Mark Darbon at the R&A is new, so you have all these new people here and why are we all here? Because boards in all of golf looked around and said ‘huh, I don’t think this is good enough’. I don’t think we are heading in the right direction.
“I think we have got to find a way to put more players playing together. How are we going to do that? How are we going to lift up and compete against football and cricket and tennis? Why are we competing against ourselves so much.”
LIV Golf not ruling out winter signings from the PGA Tour
LIV Golf’s early controversy stemmed from aggressively signing top PGA Tour players like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau.
The move heightened tensions. With unification talks ongoing, some question if LIV will pause their pursuit of top PGA talent before the 2026 season.
LIV has already informed players in danger of relegation that they will be dropped this year, so new signings will definitely be needed to fill those spots.
O’Neil mentioned that they’re open to exploring various options for new additions.
“So good question, in some cases we have promotion events, so we have the Asian Tour, the best person on the Asian Tour gets an invite in. And then we have a promotions event where you can earn your way in. And then we’ll go talk to PGA, European Tour, NCAA players,” he said.
When asked if signing PGA Tour players is still an option, he replied: “Of course.”
Last year suggested that LIV may find it tough to lure any more big names from the PGA Tour, with most interested players likely having already made their move.
The PGA Tour has been caught off guard by changes before, and should be careful not to underestimate what LIV might do next.
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