Former President Donald Trump has become one of the most prominent figures associated with the LIV Golf Tour, the Saudi-backed professional golf league that has disrupted the sport’s traditional landscape. Trump’s relationship with LIV Golf is multifaceted, involving business interests, political connections, and a shared vision for reshaping the global golf scene. But what does the President stand to gain, if anything, from being so heavily associated with a Saudi-funded league?
Donald Trump and LIV Golf: A Match Made in Riyadh
A central pillar of Trump’s connection to LIV Golf is the use of his golf properties as venues for the league’s tournaments. Since the PGA has largely distanced itself from Trump’s courses in recent years, LIV Golf’s willingness to pay premium fees to host events at Trump-owned resorts has proven lucrative for the Trump Organization. In 2023 and 2024, LIV Golf held more tournaments at Trump courses than any other golf course brand worldwide, including high-profile events at Trump National Doral in Miami, Bedminster in New Jersey, and a course in Virginia.
This partnership has led to a significant boost in golf-related revenues for the Trump Organization, especially as its hotel branding deals have dwindled. The financial arrangements between LIV and Trump have not been fully disclosed, but indirect revenues for the Trump family are considered substantial.
It’s hard to say what the President is after when it comes to LIV—I mean, rather, that it’s hard to narrow down a list to one that is ‘efficient’. Money; fame; Saudi connections—really, it’s a hell of a laundry list.
But what he really has loved all these years is to take as many swings, pun intended, at whatever Democrat seems to be making news. And during a particular event in 2022, that was “Sleepy Joe” Biden. Have a watch.
The Motivation Behind Trump’s LIV Golf Connection?
Saudi Ties: Business and Family Connections
LIV Golf is funded almost entirely by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), a sovereign wealth fund with deep pockets and global ambitions. The Trump family’s relationship with Saudi interests extends beyond golf: Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, secured a $2 billion investment from the PIF for his private equity firm following Trump’s presidency1. This intertwining of business and politics has fueled criticism and scrutiny, especially given the geopolitical controversies surrounding Saudi Arabia.
In Trump’s world, money talks. And the PIF has a lot of money.
Trump’s Public Support and Influence
Trump has been an outspoken supporter of LIV Golf since its inception. In 2022, he publicly encouraged professional golfers to “take the money” and join the upstart league, positioning himself as a champion of LIV’s challenge to golf’s establishment. His support is not just rhetorical; he regularly attends LIV events at his courses, often donning his signature “Make America Great Again” cap and mingling with players and fans.
Role in PGA Tour–LIV Golf Merger Talks
Trump’s influence has extended into the ongoing negotiations between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, which have been at odds since LIV’s launch. In early 2025, the PGA Tour publicly acknowledged that it had asked Trump to help broker a deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, aiming to resolve the schism between the two tours. LIV Golf’s CEO, Scott O’Neil, welcomed Trump’s involvement, citing his standing and credibility with both the league’s founders and the broader golf community.
The PGA Tour’s statement expressed gratitude for Trump’s efforts, crediting his leadership with bringing the sides closer to a potential reunification of men’s professional golf. Trump himself has repeatedly stated his desire to see the tours merge, calling such an outcome “fantastic” and beneficial for the sport.
For Trump, the alliance with LIV Golf has been both financially and reputationally advantageous. Hosting high-profile tournaments at his courses has restored some of the prestige lost after the PGA and other organizations distanced themselves. For LIV Golf, Trump’s properties offer world-class venues and the cachet of association with a former U.S. president.
Moreover, Trump’s willingness to publicly advocate for LIV and facilitate negotiations with the PGA Tour has helped legitimize the league in the eyes of some fans and stakeholders. The recent TV deal between LIV Golf and Fox Sports, which further mainstreams the league, has also been linked to Trump’s ongoing support and connections.
Controversy and Criticism
Trump’s relationship with LIV Golf is not without controversy. Critics point to the Saudi government’s human rights record and accuse both Trump and LIV of sportswashing—using sports to improve the kingdom’s global image. The financial entanglements between the Trump family and Saudi interests, particularly through Kushner’s investment firm, have also drawn scrutiny.
The connection between Donald Trump and the LIV Golf Tour is emblematic of the broader changes sweeping through professional golf. Through business deals, personal advocacy, and political influence, Trump has played a pivotal role in LIV Golf’s rise and its ongoing push for legitimacy and integration with the sport’s traditional powers. As negotiations between LIV and the PGA Tour continue, Trump’s involvement is likely to remain a key factor shaping the future of professional golf.
