Tom Watson questions probability of PGA-LIV agreement

Tom Watson is among those who do not believe that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf can join forces to unite the professional game.

The 75-year-old stated on Thursday that there are too many obstacles for the PGA Tour to reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which has funded the new circuit since its inception in 2022.

During a press conference at Augusta National Golf Club, the eight-time major champion said, "They have chosen to play on their own tour, and that is where they currently stand. I do not see a viable solution for the two tours to reconcile. This is one of the reasons why an agreement has not been reached since June two years ago."

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Currently, 12 LIV Golf members will participate in the Masters. More than half of them have lifetime exemptions due to previous victories at Augusta National, while Joaquin Niemann received a special exemption to qualify for the tournament.

However, Watson pointed to Scottie Scheffler's speech at the champions dinner as a sign of hope.

"The one thing I do know is that during his speech at the past champions dinner on Tuesday night, Scottie Scheffler said, 'I am glad we are all together again.' So the players want to come together," said Watson, who has won the Masters twice.

"But it ultimately depends on the decision-makers to see if there is a way for the two tours to collaborate. I do not see that happening. Maybe they are more intelligent than I am, but the main requirement of the PGA Tour is to obtain permission to participate in a competing tournament, as per the conflicting event rule. This is in place to protect the sponsors of our tour and ensure that the fields are not depleted of top players who choose to play in other events."