Graeme McDowell claims “everyone feels very optimistic” about the ongoing peace talks between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

After swathes of its players joined the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV circuit in 2022, the PGA Tour retaliated by suspending those defectors, sparking a civil war in golf. They finally appeared to be putting their differences aside in June 2023 after the PGA and DP World Tour agreed a shock framework agreement over a merger with LIV’s backers – the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) – but those negotiations have still not been finalized.

However, the re-election of golf fan Donald Trump as US president in November has been key in unifying the rival circuits, with “constructive” talks being held last week. And former US Open champion McDowell believes reconciliation in golf is in the best interest of everyone involved in the sport.

The ex-world No. 4 told BBC Sport Northern Ireland: “I’m really excited that things are going on to try and repair the damage that’s been done and bring the best players in the world back together more often.

“That’s the key really, for the fans, for the sponsors and for TV, having the best players in the world coming together more often I think is something we all want.

“What that means and what that looks like is something we don’t know but I think everyone is very optimistic and hopefully the future of golf is bright.”

Donald Trump on the phone

Donald Trump’s re-election has accelerated peace talks between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

Trump called key figures, including Tiger Woods, to the White House earlier this month. As part of the PGA Tour’s Transaction Sub-committee, Woods suggested that a breakthrough could happen “very soon”. Still, the exact details of this potential peace deal are unknown.

Three-time Ryder Cup champion McDowell joined the rebel LIV circuit ahead in its first season in 2022. The Northern Irishman insisted in 2024 that he had never doubted his decision to join LIV Golf, saying: “Certainly no regrets.

“I don’t have any personal regrets… I think ultimately we’re going to come out the other side of this with the game of golf in great shape.”

McDowell finished 10th in his maiden event, the LIV Golf Invitational in London in 2022, and played for Cleeks GC and Smash GC in the first three years of the series.