The outlook for both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf in 2026 looks nothing like what many predicted ahead of the 2025 season.
The future of men’s professional golf looks very different heading into 2026 compared to what many expected a year ago. What once seemed like an inevitable unification between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has instead shifted into two organisations moving confidently in separate directions.
Even after a much-publicised White House meeting and repeated signals from figures like President Trump and Tiger Woods that a merger was imminent, negotiations stalled completely. Now, according to Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, there is no sign of dialogue restarting between the two sides.
Where PGA Tour and LIV Golf currently stand on a potential merger
Recent comments from leading players capture the growing divide. Rory McIlroy has embraced the PGA Tour’s direction under its new leadership, while Bryson DeChambeau has openly questioned whether reunification will ever happen.
Lewis reinforced that pessimism, revealing that both organisations appear content to continue independently.
“It seems to me right now, from what I’m feeling and hearing, that these entities are just going to keep going their own path,” he said. “There really is zero talk — I mean zero talk — between the PGA Tour and PIF, LIV Golf about getting together for a meeting.”
With the PGA Tour operating under new CEO Brian Rolapp and LIV Golf settling in under its own new chief, Scott O’Neil, Lewis believes there is nothing currently “in the mix” that points toward a renewed push for unification.
Why it’s risky to assume all communication has stopped
Despite the silence, history shows that behind-the-scenes developments often unfold without warning. The shocking 2023 framework agreement — announced with no leaks, leaving even top players blindsided — proved how quickly the sport’s landscape can change.
Although Monahan is gone, Rolapp has signalled he will prioritise whatever benefits the PGA Tour most, which could someday include reintroducing star names like DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka. And as an outsider from the NFL, he may approach the situation with fewer emotional barriers.
For now, stability has returned to the PGA Tour, and LIV Golf continues its own evolution. But if recent years have taught golf anything, it’s that ruling out future talks entirely would be a mistake — and surprises remain very much possible.
