Optimism around a successful PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger is growing (Image: Getty Images)
Hopes for the reunification of the world are growing following comments made by Steve Cohen – owner of Major League Baseball franchise the New York Mets – amid the ongoing civil war in the sport. Cohen, whose investment firm injected a significant amount of capital into PGA Tour Enterprises earlier this year, expressed confidence to reporters that the and could potentially end their feud and harmonise their operations.
“It’s a lot of moving parts and I think we’ll get there,” the 68-year-old said. “The goal is to reunite all the players – it’s fragmented right now,” he continued, before adding: “Getting [players from both tours] to play in one tournament, one venue, whatever it is, is exciting.”
The hedge-fund billionaire shared these thoughts during a promotional event for New York Golf Club, who are competing in the upcoming indoor golf league (TGL), which launches in January. Since the establishment Saudi Arabia’s -backed LIV Golf in 2021, golf has been split.
In the years since, the breakaway tour has lured numerous elite golfers away from the PGA with highly lucrative contracts, deepening the schism within the sport. Though in a surprising move in June 2023, the two groups announced plans for , leaving fans and players alike stunned.
Talks haven’t exactly gone smoothly, but there is still optimism that progress is being made, especially after PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF’s Yasir Al-Rymayyan shared a round of golf last month. An exhibition match is also on the cards this December, featuring PGA Tour stars and going head-to-head with LIV Golf stars and .
Elsewhere, rumours began circulating earlier this month that the PIF were set to invest a whopping £1billion in the PGA, potentially marking the end of their feud. However, these reports remain unconfirmed.
Cohen recently invested in the PGA Tour, and owns New York Golf Club (Image: AP)
New York Golf Club, owned by Cohen and featuring Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick, is one of six teams competing in the TGL next year. Other investors include NFL legend Eli Manning, MLB icon Derek Jeter, and talk show host Jimmy Fallon.
The TGL, an indoor team golf league, was established by , McIlroy and former Golf Channel president Mike McCarley under their media venture TMRW Sports. They’ve teamed up with the PGA Tour and the league will feature six teams playing at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Cohen, the owner of the Mets since 2020, is a renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur. He holds the position of Chairman and CEO at Point72, a global asset management firm. In addition to this, he also serves as the Chairman and CEO of the Mets. Bloomberg reports that Cohen has amassed a staggering net worth of £11.8bn.