The recent merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has sent shockwaves through the golfing world, leaving players feeling betrayed and confused just days before the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club. Top-ranked golfers like Jon Rahm, who remained loyal to the PGA Tour despite LIV Golf's attempts to lure him away, have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the lack of transparency from PGA Tour management.

Rahm admitted that the news of the merger, which he learned while caring for his children, came as a complete surprise. He and other players are struggling to reconcile the PGA Tour's previous condemnation of LIV Golf's Saudi backing with the new reality of the PIF becoming the primary financial force in professional golf. The lack of answers and the feeling of being kept in the dark has created a sense of distrust between the players and the tour's leadership.

This sentiment is echoed by other prominent golfers. Collin Morikawa emphasized the need for transparency and a clear explanation for the merger, highlighting the conflicting narratives coming from different parties involved. While Rory McIlroy initially expressed confusion, he has since adopted a more optimistic outlook. However, the underlying concern about the future of professional golf remains.

The timing of the merger, just before a major championship, has added to the players' unease. Rahm acknowledged the difficulty of focusing on the upcoming tournament with so many unanswered questions hanging over the sport. The U.S. Open will be a unique event this year, showcasing a mix of PGA Tour and LIV Golf players competing together under a cloud of uncertainty.

The golf world is now waiting for a clear explanation from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and other involved parties. The hope is that greater transparency will help to rebuild trust and address the concerns of the players who feel betrayed by this unexpected turn of events.