Donald Trump watched LIV Golf in Virginia with his son Eric days after urging players to return to the PGA Tour.
A high-profile LIV Golf visit in Virginia became even more striking on Saturday as Donald Trump arrived to watch the tournament behind bulletproof glass, accompanied by his son Eric.
Trump’s motorcade pulled up to his Virginia golf club, and he was then driven by golf cart to a specially prepared VIP area alongside the course. From that protected vantage point, he and Eric spent time observing the action during the latest LIV event.
The appearance carried extra political and sporting tension because it came just days after Trump urged players from LIV—funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund—to rejoin the PGA Tour.. Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office earlier in the week. he said the game would benefit if golfers competed against one another rather than remaining separated.
Trump’s comments also contrasted with the reality LIV has faced in recent weeks.. The tour is scrambling after the Public Investment Fund announced its intention to pull funding this summer. a development that has placed LIV’s leadership under pressure to secure enough money to keep the circuit running.
The president’s involvement in both sides of the golf split has raised eyebrows.. Last weekend. Trump attended a PGA Tour event at his Doral course in Miami. and on Saturday he returned to the spotlight by taking in LIV action at a Trump National venue.. In an exchange with reporters. he argued that players should be competing across tours so the top names are all in the same field.
While watching in Virginia, Trump also waved to the crowds as his delegation moved him through the venue. Eric Trump was also visible in the VIP area, chatting with officials as the tournament continued through its later stages.
Protest activity formed part of the backdrop at the course. Demonstrators were seen near the venue, holding protests against Trump and the Saudi-backed series, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding LIV’s finances and its relationship with mainstream golf.
The White House visit and the LIV attendance also intersected with reporting about outreach beyond the course. Fox News reported that Trump spoke with someone connected to the Saudi Public Investment Fund while in attendance.
On the tournament front, Lucas Herbert of Australia led the leaderboard at the end of day three, holding a four-shot advantage over Spain’s Sergio Garcia. Bryson DeChambeau—who had been seen with Trump earlier this week at the White House—was placed a few shots back in fifth.
Trump’s stated preference appears to be for golfers to unify the sport’s top competition rather than remain divided.. He specifically pointed to matchups he wanted to see. including Rory McIlroy against Bryson DeChambeau. and Jon Rahm taking on Scottie Scheffler. framing the appeal as fans being able to watch top stars together.
LIV’s immediate future may hinge on how the funding question evolves this summer.. With the Saudi fund signaling its planned withdrawal. the tour has been forced into an urgent search for alternative financial support—an uncertainty that could affect its schedule and the way players weigh their commitments.
Even so, LIV has continued moving through its calendar, with Trump attending this Virginia stop and the event set to be followed by a later tournament at Bedminster, New Jersey, in August—where players will travel to another LIV course connected to the Trump brand.
Donald Trump Eric Trump LIV Golf PGA Tour bulletproof glass Lucas Herbert Bryson DeChambeau