Tiger Woods will host this week’s Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, California.
After Wednesday’s Pro-Am round with Bills QB Josh Allen, he spent more than 20 minutes on stage talking about a variety of topics. One such topic for him was the progress of negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the possibility of unity in his sport of golf.
“We’re looking at all the different models for the return pathway. What that looks like, what the impact is on the players who stayed and the players who didn’t leave, and how it looks going forward. Are we going to improve the product? We don’t have an answer to that right now,” Woods said.
“Trust me, there are daily and weekly emails and discussions about this and what the future of the tour will look like.”
Photo by Ben Jared/PGA Tour via Getty Images
The potential return of LIV Tour members has been a hot topic among fans and players alike.
Justin Thomas has publicly stated his belief that some form of retribution is needed for the players who left LIV.
Jordan Spieth has since made it clear that he doesn’t think an agreement with PIF is necessary. That prompted a call to Rory McIlroy, who vehemently disagreed with Spieth.
The creation of LIV Golf in 2022 created a rift in the sport of golf. However, on June 6, 2023, the PGA Tour shockingly announced a deal with LIV’s backer, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The news shocked the golf world and even attracted the attention of the U.S. Congress.
However, in recent months, obstacles appear to be looming in the way of a deal.
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour has entered into a partnership with SSG (Strategic Sports Group), which will inject up to $3 billion into a new commercial entity, PGA Tour Enterprises.
This has led many to wonder whether the tool even needs Saudi funding anymore. Naturally, there are plenty of unanswered questions, but Woods tried to offer insight without making bold statements.
But as the golf world continues to divide, fans and media alike are wondering what the future holds for the sport.
Kendall Capps is the senior editor of SB Nation’s Playing Through.For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough On all major social media platforms.
