Dustin Johnson, one of LIV Golfs top stars, joined President-elect Donald Trump for a round of golf at his Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Johnson, accompanied by his brother and caddie, Austin, continues to signal Trump’s strong ties with LIV Golf as discussions continue to linger regarding a potential merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Austin posted an Instagram photo of Johnson and Trump’s golf outing on Wednesday afternoon. After taking the snap on the green, a video emerged of Trump driving a tee shot as the Johnson family complimented his shot.
Trumps maintained relationship with LIV was also displayed by meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the chairman of LIV Golf and governor of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund. The meeting at a UFC event in New York City has fueled confidence about Trumps potential role in streamlining the long-awaited resolution to the golf worlds standoff between the PGA and LIV.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy recently shared he hopes that Trump, alongside his billionaire advocate Elon Musk, could encourage the merger process. After Trump won the United States Presidential election over Kamala Harris, McIlroy said, He might be able to. Hes got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too.
Yeah, I think from the outside looking in, its probably a little less complicated than it actually is,” he continued. “But obviously, Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. Hes got a great relationship with golf. Hes a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?”
Trumps relationship with Saudi Arabia was documented during his last presidential term, with his administration fostering a close relationship. Despite global criticism of the Crown Prince, Trump defended him numerous times.
Trumps golf properties include Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey and Trump National Doral in Florida. Both venues have become staples for LIV Golf events, with Trump National Doral being used this season for LIV Miami, where Johnson’s 4Aces team struggled and finished in 8th place out of 13 teams.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf first announced the merger in June 2023. During media runs until election day, Trump puffed out his chest to say it would take him “about 15 minutes” to finish the deal.
“I do think [the deal] will come together. I could certainly help it,” said Trump on the Let’s Go Podcast. “I would say it would take me the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done.
