Report: PGA Tour boss tells members LIV Golf talks are at a stalemate

The PGA Tour's new chief executive has reportedly told a group of 'frustrated' members talks with LIV Golf's Saudi financiers are at a stalemate.

Former NFL executive Brian Rolapp was appointed as the first CEO of the established circuit earlier in the month. 

Rolapp will gradually take over the day-to-day responsibilities of commissioner Jay Monahan, who is stepping down at the end of 2026. 

The 53-year-old already met with a group of high-profile players before last week's Travelers Championship in Connecticut. 

And World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and Masters champion Rory McIlroy were among those to sing his praises after their first interaction. 

McIlroy said the appointment was really positive. 

Rolapp also met with dozens of PGA Tour golfers before this week's Rocket Classic in Detroit where, unsurprisingly, the breakaway league was high on the agenda. 

Golfweek have reported Rolapp told those in attendance that talks with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund are at a stalemate. 

This is because the PIF governor and LIV mastermind Yasir Al-Rumayyan wants the breakaway's team element to remain in part of any deal. 

It has been widely reported that PIF offered to invest $1.5bn in PGA Tour Enterprises before The Masters following intervention from American president Donald Trump. 

According to the Guardian, that offer was rejected and Al-Rumayyan left the White House in a huff and was incensed the Tour valued LIV at 'only' $500m and didn't want to include team golf as part of the deal. 

Multiple PGA Tour winner Matt Kuchar told Golfweek: "I don't think it's any breaking news that the talks have gone silent

"They said we're still open to negotiations."

Kuchar, who was apparently a fan that Rolapp is an 'outsider', added: "There's some things I understand the sensitivity of

"I don't want to know some of the decisions we make politically for the US.

"I get the feeling that both sides still want to do something but I also think we're at a stalemate."

Beau Hossler reportedly told Rolapp he was frustrated that players are still being kept in the dark. 

He said he continues to be asked by friends and reporters what the current situation is. 

"I tell them I don't know anything more than you," Hossler reportedly said. 

"That's frustrating for me as a member of the PGA Tour. I feel like I should know."

Jay Monahan criticised again

Also discussed at the meeting was playing opportunities. 

The PGA Tour's policy board have already approved changes that will see the number of exempt members reduced from 125 to 120. 

Field sizes have also been reduced to help speed up pace of play. 

And access to signature events was also at the forefront of players' minds. 

Mark Hubbard was apparently among those wanting field sizes to increase at the $20m events. 

Monahan reportedly gave a 'very political answer' in the meeting. 

"It's a double-edged sword," Hubbard said. 

"The top players need to play more, but if they only play the big events, how do we keep tournaments like this [Rocket Classic] and grow? 

"Jay gave a very political response. We can't get a straight answer from him, and that's why a lot of people are fed up with him."