Tiger Woods played a powerful role as the PGA Tour seeks an agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the beneficiary of LIV Golf.
Woods would do that. Join a subcommittee of 5 membersDoug Ferguson said the only player in the delegation will be the primary driver of negotiations. Associated Press.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Chairman of the Board Joe Gorder, who also serves as Executive Chairman of Valero Energy Corporation, John Henry of Fenway Sports Group, and former Tour player and current director liaison. Joe Ogilvie, who holds the position of Executive Director, will join Woods on this subcommittee.
The group will then report to the full PGA Tour Policy Committee, where there was a lot of drama on Wednesday.
A few weeks ago, it appeared that Rory McIlroy, who resigned in November, might rejoin the board. McIlroy has been feeling anxious in recent months as negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF have made little progress.
“I’m anxious because I think we have a chance to get it done,” McIlroy added.
“I liken it to the situation when Northern Ireland went through the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement in the 90s. Neither side was happy. Neither Catholics nor Protestants were happy. But it brought peace, so we just have to accept whatever is negotiated and learn to live with it, right?”
The rise of LIV Golf has divided the world of men’s professional golf, with numerous major champions playing on both the LIV and PGA Tours. Controversies surrounding exorbitant amounts of money and greed, as well as geopolitical influence and criticism related to the Saudi government, have permeated the sport in recent years.
This could explain the sharp decline in TV ratings in 2024, even though amateur competition is as healthy as ever.
That’s why McIlroy is keen to sign a deal. But as the only player involved, Woods, not McIlroy, will have ultimate influence at the negotiating table.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
