Jordan Spieth gives take on LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger talks after Tiger Woods meeting

Jordan Spieth has spoken out about the proposed merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf , suggesting that the present situation in men's professional golf is "unsustainable."

Meetings to end the ongoing dispute that has caused turmoil in the sport for two years have been in motion since an agreement framework was laid out last June by the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).

Recently, it came to light that representatives from both sides attended a meeting in New York, with ESPN's report indicating Tiger Woods' involvement in the talks .

• Rory McIlroy makes devastating admission about 'deterioration'

• Tiger Woods set to make massive £760m move as merger details come to light

Former player director Spieth, who had insight into the PGA Tour's squabbles while serving on the Player Advisory Council during the LIV conflict, has stepped back from his administrative roles to speak up on the current discussions involving the PGA Tour and the Saudi fund. In a statement to Golfweek, he said: "The best players at the top levels have significantly benefited from this scenario that's probably unsustainable."

"And hopefully, that's currently being worked out. It's just between the two sides, two tours, the government being involved."

After having previously been engaged in such processes, Spieth highlighted to spectators and his fellow players that these discussions are lengthy, now more than 15 months after the initial announcement of an agreement framework.

"You know, it's not as easy as hey, 'everybody, let's just get together and figure this out in an hour'," he said. "I've been very involved in all that, and I can assure you that as annoying as it probably seems from the outside it's just it's not anyone's fault. It's just the process of what needs to happen. It's just going to take a little time."

The lengthiness of the negotiation process has irritated many insiders, after previously, both PGA Tour and PIF had aimed for 31 December 2023 as the deadline to conclude a deal a date which has obviously been missed quite some time back. Jay Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner, gave rare insights into discussions while at the previous month's Tour Championship.

Reflecting on the ongoing talks during East Lake, he mentioned: "You look at where we are right now, we're in regular dialogue, we have the right people at the table with the right mindset," He then expressed hopefulness about the situation: "I see that in all these conversations on both sides, that creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together."

• Bubba Watson warned he could be 'kicked out' of LIV Golf over key issue

He continued emphasizing the complexity and needed patience: "At the same time, these conversations are complex, they're going to take time," he shared. "They have taken time and they will continue to take time. When I sit here today, I think the most important thing is our obligation to fans, players, and partners is to focus on what we control, which we're doing as I outlined, and continue to carry this momentum forward."

"I'm not going to negotiate details in public or disclose details or specifics, but all I can say is that conversations continue and they're productive."

Conversations are ongoing and fruitful, yet reports from Bloomberg on Tuesday suggest that PGA Tour players demanding LIV stars return their Saudi earnings is creating an impasse.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .