Tiger Woods has disclosed the conflicts around the stagnation of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger.
Tiger Woods declined to say whether he desired any investment from Saudi Arabia, but he did acknowledge that there are “arguments” and “conflicts” on the PGA Tour regarding a peace agreement.
Jimmy Dunne, a major player in the June “framework agreement” with the PIF, resigned from the Tour’s policy board citing “no meaningful progress” toward a long-term agreement. Furthermore, last week Rory McIlroy’s return to the same committee was prevented.
On a new Transaction Subcommittee, Woods, the Ulsterman, and Liverpool owner John W. Henry will engage in direct negotiations with the Saudis. “My vote and my role is utterly superfluous,” according to Dunne’s resignation letter, because players—including Woods—now make up the majority of the 11-member Policy Board.
However, the 15-time Major winner stated, “The PGA Tour is for the players and by the players,” before the US PGA at Valhalla. We have an impact, and independents and player directors each have their respective duties. Every day, we strive to make the PGA TOUR the greatest it can be.
“We want to act in the best interests of the players and the TOUR members, which is one of the reasons we argue and disagree. There won’t be any development without disputes of such nature. Thus, things have gone well. We’re in the process of negotiating with PIF. It is continuous, flexible, and ever-changing. Has anything progressed? Indeed.
We still have a long way to go in this process because the negotiation is still ongoing, but we are making progress nonetheless. It might not be a huge one.
The Strategic Sports Group consortium, which includes Henry’s Fenway Sports Group, has decided to spend $3 billion in the PGA Tour. It is thought that certain US participants would prefer increased investment from US businesses rather than Saudi ones.
Woods responded, “Well, I’m not going to comment on whether or not our negotiations and in that nature, except that we’re making steps,” when asked twice if he was “open” to Saudi investment.
All I can say is that. Supporter of PIF investment in the PGA Tour, McIlroy acknowledged last week that Woods has a different outlook on the game’s future while stating that “friends can have disagreements.” The American stated, “It’s good to see it differently, but as a group we want to see whatever’s best for all the players, the fans, and the state of golf.”
Woods stated prior to the Masters last month that he was in talks to take over as the Ryder Cup captain in 2025, but those talks are moving just as slowly. He stated, “We’re still talking.” “I have to believe that I can devote the time it requires.”
With his goatee beard growing yesterday, Woods, who missed the cut in 2014 due to back problems, completed the third leg of his Tiger Slam here in 2000 by defeating Bob May in a three-hole playoff. The four-time winner stated before making his 23rd appearance in the US PGA, “My body’s okay.” That’s just the way things are. I wish I had a little more edge in my game.
