In a major development that could finally bring resolution to golf's civil war, the LIV Golf Series and PGA Tour have secretly signed a draft merger agreement, according to prominent agent Alan Shipnuck.

Shipnuck reports being told about the deal by a "reliable source" with clients competing on both tours. The draft deal is understood to center around an agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls LIV Golf to the tune of $2 billion annually.

The specifics of the agreement are unclear, though it marks a significant step towards ending the fractured landscape that has engulfed the sport since LIV's controversial launch in June 2022. Over 50 players have since defected from the PGA Tour to the lucrative breakaway circuit.

News of the drafted deal comes on the eve of golf's national championship, the U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort, where Tiger Woods is scheduled to play. Earlier this week, Woods called his recent meeting with PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan "productive" and claimed there was "light at the end of the tunnel."

“It was productive. And is there light at the end of the tunnel? I think we're closer to that point than we were pre-meeting. We discussed a lot of different endings and how we get there.

“I think that both sides walked away from the meeting, we all felt very positive in that meeting. As I said, both sides were looking at different ways to get to the end game. I think that both sides shared a deep passion for how we need to get there. And yes, there are going to be differences of opinion, but we all want the same thing.”

The 15-time major winner has been one of LIV Golf's fiercest critics but hinted compromise may be achievable. His attitude reflects a reported softening behind closed doors as the fractures in the game impact revenue and sponsorship opportunities.

However, both sides still face sizable opposition to any merger from within their ranks, as well as intervention from US lawmakers wary of Saudi influence in American sports. Finalizing an agreement will likely require negotiations on issues like media rights and exemptions to rejoin the PGA Tour.

With so many moving parts, golf fans will hope this draft is just the first step towards an inclusive resolution both sides deem acceptable to ratify and unite the sport under one banner again at last.

Read more: Tiger Woods Ready to Prove Himself Once Again at US Open

How might this merger impact individual golfers' careers

For the players, a merger of the PGA Tour and LIV would undoubtedly spice things up. On the one hand, having all of the greatest guys under one roof will make things more crowded out there. With so much skill in one place, qualifying for a tournament will be more difficult.

But it also opens up fresh possibilities that some golfers may be able to take advantage of. The guys who went over to LIV will finally get their shot at the majors again - that's got to be music to their ears. And anyone who felt stuck on just one tour now has more freedom to follow opportunities wherever they lead.

Money talks too, salaries overall expected to rise up a notch when the two tours become one big happy family. The top earners will clean up for sure. More stability in that regard has to be welcomed by all.

There might even be clearer routes to climb the ranks as an up-and-comer. No more messing around with two systems - just one set of goals to focus on from the junior days onwards.

Of course, the politics behind such a big move means headaches too. Government red tape could still gum things up. But in general, uniting the tours opens the door for players to make the most of their abilities across the board. With all that influx of cash and talent together, the future looks pretty bright on tour either way.

References: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/golf/pga-tour-liv-golf-draft-33010009

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