Golf-PGA Tour closer to deal with LIV Golf after asking Trump to 'get involved'

FILE PHOTO: A view shows the logo of PGA Tour during the Canadian Open’s Championship Pro-Am after news was released of a new partnership between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Nick Lachance/File Photo

(Reuters) - The PGA Tour said on Thursday that after a meeting this week with U.S. President Donald Trump it was closer to reaching a deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf that would help end the years-long divide in professional golf.

The U.S.-based circuit said in a statement that PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Player Director Adam Scott met with Trump on February 4 where they asked him to get involved in their talks with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

"We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved," the PGA Tour said in a statement, which was made by Monahan, Scott and fellow Player Director Tiger Woods.

"We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf."

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Davis)