Many golf fans had expected the PGA Tour and LIV Golf's beneficiary, the Saudi Public Investment Company (PIF), to reach a formal agreement by now.
Ultimately, on June 6, 2020, the two sides resolved their litigation and differences, announcing a “framework agreement” and committing to finalizing the deal by the end of 2023. But that deadline has passed, and the top men's professional golf positions remain split between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, with no deal in place. Tour commissioner Jay Monahan declined to provide further details about the agreement at last month's Tour Championship, adding that no deadline had been set.
“We don't want to limit ourselves in that way,” Monahan said when asked about the deadline.
“We want to achieve the best and right outcome at the right time.”
Still, with 24 PGA Tour members competing on U.S. and international teams at this week's Presidents Cup, Australia's Adam Scott spoke about the future of golf. Interview with Adam Shupak Golf Week.
Scott, who sits on the PGA Tour policy committee, said golf could “realistically” be reintegrated in 2027 and that 2026 could be viewed as “optimistic.”
This prediction will disappoint fans who look forward to seeing the best players compete side by side not just at the Grand Slams but every week.
But despite the outside noise surrounding the PGA Tour and LIV Golf rivalry taking away from the game itself, Scott believes the sport is in good hands.
“I see [the sport] We're stronger than ever,” Scott said.
“Whether the PIF deal goes through or not, I think we're in a good position. Ultimately, the market will decide what it wants. The PGA Tour is still the strongest platform and it certainly has the strongest players. I don't think it's a problem for professional golfers if the tour continues to be highly competitive. It's time for change and I don't think most people like it.”
Of course, in addition to negotiations with PIF, the PGA Tour has also signed a deal with Strategic Sports Group (SSG) for early 2024. SSG is a consortium of American sports owners that is investing $1.5 billion in a newly formed for-profit entity that will oversee the operation of the tour.
“The product has improved in many ways,” Scott says of SSG.
“Obviously, they have to make more money. We're a profit-and-loss business, we're no different to any other business. They're going to try to make more money and they're probably going to try to cut costs as well. So I'm sure they're all looking at all of that right now.”
It remains to be seen whether the PGA Tour will reach a deal with the PIF, but golf fans shouldn't expect an agreement or reunification anytime soon. Instead, the Tour will continue to expand its product through SSG's guidance, which PGA Tour fans should welcome given the impressive mark the consortium has left on the American sports world.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow For more golf articles, follow us on Twitter Jack Mirko In the same way.
