In a bold move that has sent ripples through the golf world, former President Donald Trump has solidified his partnership with LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league that has been challenging the traditional PGA Tour. Officially joining forces in October 2022, Trump’s involvement was marked by the inaugural LIV Golf event at the Trump National Doral Miami, signaling the start of a lucrative alliance.
Trump’s enthusiasm for LIV Golf has been unwavering since the inception of the partnership. During a candid interview with CNN, he urged professional golfers to “take the money now,” a clear invitation to join the burgeoning series that promises substantial financial rewards. This statement underscores Trump’s strategic positioning of LIV Golf as a viable and profitable alternative to the established PGA Tour.
The former president has been vocal about the financial prospects of LIV Golf, boldly stating that the series “has been worth billions of dollars.” This declaration not only highlights the significant investment behind LIV Golf but also hints at the personal financial gains Trump stands to reap from its success. His involvement is not merely as a supporter but as a key promoter, leveraging his brand and influence to elevate the series on the global stage.
Throughout 2023, the Trump International Golf Club became a staple venue for LIV Golf Invitational Series events, hosting three major tournaments. While neither the Trump Organization nor LIV Golf has publicly disclosed the financial benefits of this collaboration, investigative reporting by The New York Times’ Eric Lipton suggests that the Trump family may have indirectly profited significantly from their association with the billion-dollar enterprise.
The financial incentives tied to LIV Golf have evidently motivated Trump to expand his footprint in the golf industry further. Recent reports indicate a noticeable uptick in revenue for both Trump National Bedminster and Trump National Doral, directly correlating with LIV Golf’s decision to host premium tournament events at these prestigious clubs. This surge in income has emboldened Trump to increase his investments in the series, signaling a deepening commitment to its growth and success.
Looking ahead, Trump has announced an ambitious expansion of his golf empire with the launch of a second golf club in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Set to open in the summer of 2025, the new facility, named the Macleod Course in honor of his Lewis-born mother, will feature 18 meticulously designed holes and boast Scotland’s largest sand dunes. Despite the environmental controversies surrounding the dunes in Menie, Aberdeen—where they lost their status as a nationally important protected environment in 2020—Trump remains adamant about the sustainability of his new course. Sarah Malone, Executive Vice-President of Trump International Scotland, lauded the Macleod Course as “one of the great wonders in the world of golf,” emphasizing its unique blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence.
Trump’s strategic maneuvers within the golf industry highlight his pursuit of financially lucrative opportunities to bolster his business empire. However, his choice to align with LIV Golf rather than the PGA Tour raises intriguing questions, especially given his deep-rooted connections to the PGA as the former President of the United States. Historically, Trump harbored aspirations of hosting PGA Tour events and even attempted to forge partnerships with the PGA to integrate his golf courses into the Tour’s calendar. Unfortunately, these efforts were reportedly met with resistance, leading to a “largely snubbed” relationship, as noted by Lipton.
In contrast, LIV Golf seized the opportunity to collaborate with Trump, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that has proven profitable for both parties. This alignment has allowed LIV Golf to leverage Trump’s brand and influence to gain legitimacy and attract top talent, while Trump benefits from the association with a high-profile, billion-dollar venture.
As the golf world watches the unfolding saga of Trump’s involvement with LIV Golf, anticipation builds for the grand opening of the Macleod Course and the upcoming LIV Golf season. The 2025 season is set to kick off on February 6th at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, promising a new chapter in the series’ ambitious expansion plans. Golf enthusiasts and industry insiders alike are eager to see how Trump’s strategic investments and promotional efforts will shape the future landscape of professional golf.
In the meantime, the synergy between Trump’s golf enterprises and LIV Golf continues to create buzz, positioning both entities at the forefront of a transforming sports arena. As Donald Trump continues to leverage his business acumen and passion for golf, the intersection of politics, business, and sports remains as dynamic and influential as ever, ensuring that his legacy in the golf world is both impactful and enduring.
