The President of the United States has sent a clear message to the golf world about the future of LIV.
LIV Golf was launched 2021, as a competitor to the PGA Tour. The golf league is funded by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. Several of golf’s top players, including Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and others, have left the PGA Tour for big checks from LIV Golf. But not everyone in the golf world is happy with LIV Golf and the money that is being thrown around.
Advertisement
Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion, has been highly critical of those who left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. However, he’s recently admitted that he was probably too judgmental.
“I think, at this point, I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the start, and I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realize that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Woods’ position,” McIlroy told the “Stick to Football” podcast in 2024, per ESPN.
“We all turn professional to make a living playing the sports that we do, and I think that’s what I realized over the last two years. I can’t judge people for making that decision.”
Advertisement
BROKEN ARROW, OKLAHOMA – MAY 13: A LIV Golf sign sits on the practice range during Day Two of the LIV Golf Invitational – Tulsa at Cedar Ridge Country Club on May 13, 2023 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)Ian Maule/Getty Images
But questions have remained about the future of LIV Golf. The PGA Tour remains the far more popular tour, at least when it comes to television ratings and attendance. Some have speculated that the PGA Tour could eventually absorb LIV Golf.
However, President Trump has apparently made it clear that LIV Golf is not going anywhere.
Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee recently joined Trey Wingo on the ‘Straight Facts Homie’ podcast. He opened up about what President Trump said about LIV Golf.
Advertisement
President Trump on LIV Golf
“One thing he said to me, he said, ‘I know you and I disagree on LIV, but let me tell you why LIV is going to stick around,'” Chamblee said, referring to President Trump.
“‘First of all, Yasir (Al-Rumayyan), the gentleman who runs PIF (Public Investment Fund), first of all, he loves golf more than you and I do’. And he said, ‘Second of all, they have 32 trillion dollars’ worth of money in oil underneath that sand’.”
Advertisement
President Trump believes that the Saudis will stick with LIV Golf, even if it isn’t seen as a huge success, because they want to diversify their status around the world.
LIV Golf has hosted several prominent tournaments at President Trump’s courses over the years, too.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Golf section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
