Ian Poulter posts cryptic message as PGA Tour chief provides update on LIV Golf merger talks

Ian Poulter dropped a cryptic message on social media while PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan was holding a press conference, amid the ongoing deadlock in merger talks with LIV Golf.

A "framework agreement" aimed at ending the feud between the rival circuits was revealed over a year ago. Despite setting a deadline for the end of last year to finalize a binding agreement, the discussions seem to have hit a wall.

A key meeting this summer in New York City between PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and PGA Tour officials didn't seem to clear the fog surrounding the status of the negotiations. As Monahan addressed the media at the season-ending Tour Championship, Poulter's remarks might hint at his views on the stalled talks.

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Poulter, who once ranked as the world's No. 5 golfer, took to Instagram to post: "I just have to laugh and sigh at the same time. Sad. I wonder if anybody will have the balls the question it or pull it apart.

"I bet they don't. Let's wait and see. IYKYK (if you know, you know)," and concluded with a provocative thought: "Or are the puppets going to be the puppets. I wonder."

PGA Tour commissioner Monahan weighed in on the ongoing discussions about a potential fusion with LIV Golf, telling fans: "I appreciate the question, and I understand the question. I think the best way for me to respond to that is when 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. I see that in all of these conversations, and that's both sides. That creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together. But at the same time, these conversations are complex. They're going to take time. They have taken time, and they will continue to take time."

Today, Monahan highlighted his current priority, stating: "As I sit here today, I think the most important thing for us and our obligations to our fans, our players and our partners is to focus on what we control, which we're doing, as I outlined, and to continue to carry this momentum forward.

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