President Trump Doing Tiger Woods' Bidding, Delivers LIV Golf Guillotine
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Just days after Tiger Woods' mysterious visit to the White House, the 82-time PGA Tour winner has once again found himself at the center of golf's biggest headlines.
But this time, it's not just Woods making waves - it's President Donald Trump, whose latest move in Saudi Arabia could mark a turning point in golf's ongoing civil war.
On Tuesday morning, Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia, but this wasn't just another diplomatic visit. His trip carried far more weight than business deals or political alliances—it also pertained to golf's future.
And with Woods having set the stage, Trump was now delivering the next blow.
US President Donald Trump presents US golfer Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2019. (Photo by...
US President Donald Trump presents US golfer Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2019. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) More
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For nearly three years, professional golf has been caught in a tug-of-war between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the financial force behind LIV Golf.
What once appeared to be a pathway to unity—a framework agreement announced in 2023—collapsed under scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice and internal disputes.
With LIV's aggressive recruitment tactics shaking up the sport, the PGA Tour fought to regain control.
Now, Donald Trump has stepped into the fray, potentially pushing negotiations toward a decisive moment.
Trump's message to the Saudi prince
According to Golfweek's Eamon Lynch, Woods' visit to the White House was to ensure President Trump made his stance clear during the meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The U.S. President reportedly was to inform the Saudi leader that any agreement between the PGA Tour and PIF would be on the Tour's terms. That includes the notion that LIV Golf's long-term future would cease to exist.
This move aligns perfectly with Tiger Woods' position. As a key figure on the PGA Tour's policy board, Woods has been vocal about preserving the integrity of the sport.
Since LIV's inception, Woods has remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving the sport's legacy, ensuring that tradition and competitive integrity outweigh financial incentives.
With Trump now reinforcing that position, LIV Golf finds itself at a crossroads—either accept the terms dictated by the PGA Tour or continue a costly fight for relevance.
LIV Golf has burned through nearly $5 billion, and gained very little in return. Of course, the PIF financial reserves are endless.
It remains to be seen whether the Crown Prince, who previously acknowledged his goal of sportswashing through golf and other sports, will relent, or push forward.
More Golf: This Wild Stat Proves LIV Golf is Not Prepared for PGA Championship, Majors
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