Donald Trump does not have enough influence to bring about peace between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, according to Lee Westwood. A deal between the two warring factions has been mooted for some time but is yet to come to fruition. Trump, a keen golfer, has made no secret of his desire to broker an agreement.
Earlier this year, senior PGA figures were invited to the White House for discussions about how to bridge the divide. Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott were joined by Tiger Woods to meet the US president. All parties expressed hope that a solution will eventually be found.
“He’s a keen golfer but I don’t think he has that kind of influence,” the 51-year-old told i. “What can he do? He can’t force the PGA Tour to make a deal.
“I don’t think the PGA Tour want the deal. To do a deal, both sides have to move on a few things, but I don’t think they want that.”
Westwood’s view differs from that of Woods, who believes a peace agreement between the two bodies is only a matter of time. Speaking earlier this year, he expressed hope that negotiations would speed up following Trump’s return to the Oval Office.
“I think that things are going to heal quickly,” said Woods. “We’re going to get this game going in the right direction. It’s been heading in the wrong direction for a number of years. The fans want all of us to play together and we’re going to make it happen.”
Rory McIlroy offered a similar verdict after Trump was re-elected in November, saying: “I think that clears the way a little bit, so we’ll see. He might be able to [bring about a peace deal].
“He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too. I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is.
“Obviously, Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe, who knows? But I think he’s probably got bigger things to focus on than golf.”
