LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil and PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp have been talking about the future of golf and what these two Tours could look like in recent years as the wait for a merger goes on
Scott O’Neil and PGA Tour CEO have been in talks about the two Tours(Image: Getty Images)
During golf’s ongoing divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the LIV Golf CEO, Scott O’Neil, has revealed that he’s been in direct talks with the new PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp, which is a move that could unite the two.
“The two of us have talked a few times,” said the LIV Golf CEO. “Generally we have a common view on what could be or should be the landscape of golf over the next several years.”
O’Neil described the discussions as a chance for collaboration rather than competition, saying there’s an “opportunity for the whole golf world to come together and grow this pie.” The comments suggest a shift in tone from the tension that at first defined the two since the inception of the LIV Golf circuit in 2022.
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Since taking over for Greg Norman earlier this year, O’Neil has sought to rebrand their image by changing to a 72-hole format and has also been in the works of being a part of the Official World Golf Rankings since they were denied in 2022.
Just recently, the PGA Tour refused to grant releases for its players on the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour or PGA Tour Champions to compete in the LIV Promotions event in January in Florida.
The DP World Tour is allowing their players because there are no scheduling conflicts.
The PGA Tour’s problem is that the event is in North America. In the Tour’s regulations, it states that players can’t be granted conflicting events or media releases for tournaments staged in North America.
LIV Golf has not responded regarding if they knew this was going to happen.
Brian Rolapp not allowing players to play in LIV Promotions event in Florida because of rules
The event rule about playing in North America goes back to when LIV was incepted in 2022, when players were on the hunt for starts in what was then an individual string of tournaments.
The Tour also said on Tuesday that those without status, including those who are trying to compete on PGA Tour Americas, would earn a one-year ban if they try to qualify for the LIV Golf League.
Since 2022, non-PGA Tour members that participated in LIV Golf events, including the qualifier, are subject to a one-year ban from any PGA Tour event.
LIV Golf has made changes to try and align with golf’s standard format. A framework agreement was also made by the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund was announced in 2023, but the progress has since stalled.
O’Neil’s latest comments, though, indicate a sign in relations.