Charles Barkley slams 'idiotic' PGA Tour and LIV Golf as Saudi merger deal remains unsigned

NBA legend Charles Barkley slammed those in charge of between the and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The of has been left split in two ever since the formation of thewith the PGA Tour banning any player who competes in the league's events. It appeared there was a softening stance last June though, when Tour commissioner Jay Monahan revealed

Despite hopes that such a deal would ease the rift between the duelling circuits, 16 months has since followed and those in charge are still yet to officially sign off any sort of peace agreement.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Frustration among both players and fans has continued to grow over the wait, and now basketball stalwart Barkley has weighed in. Chatting about the deal with SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio, the basketball Hall of Famer claimed: "I wish these fools would quit screwing around, LIV and the PGA Tour.

He lambasted the groups, adding, "I don't know what the hell they're doing. They're so stupid. These guys are so idiotic. They need to be playing against each other [more than] the majors. It would be beneficial for both tours."

Barkley is no stranger to the goings on, having reportedly toyed with the idea of leaving his role with TNT to join the LIV broadcast team in 2022. He is not the first to criticise those in charge, with PGA Tour commissioner Monahan often facing backlash over the deal.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to .

Monahan this month, after the pair played alongside each other at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in . was also in action at the event, and having often been deeply involved in the off-field talks,

Speaking to the , McIlroy said: "It's a great thing and a good sign that Jay and Yasir are playing together on Thursday. I think it is a step in the right direction. Time will tell if things go in the direction I want them to or a lot of people want them to. I think we all understand it is not easy and, you know, change for the most part in golf is resisted because it is such a traditional sport.."

Maybe it is going too slow for the people who follow golf. But I think in the business world deals of this size take time. You know, you are talking about billions of dollars changing hands, different jurisdictions in the Middle East, US and Europe. It's a pretty complicated deal, but I think we'll know more by the year's end hopefully. We are in October, so three months to get something done and start 2025 with enthusiasm and all move forward together."