The PGA Tour and representatives of the LIV Golf hierarchy remain in negotiations over a framework agreement, and Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy both have a role to play
Both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will be involved in the PGA Tour’s next round of discussions with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).
Twelve months ago the world of golf was left in shock, after PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced the circuit had reached a framework agreement with PIF, that would end their ongoing feud with LIV Golf. One year on though, a finalised deal is yet to be signed off by the two sides.
On the back of the one-year anniversary of the initial announcement, the American-based circuit will reconvene with their Saudi counterparts, with the Sports Business Journal revealing that an in-person meeting will take place on Friday.
Per the report, 82-time PGA Tour winner Woods will be attendance in New York City, whilst McIlroy – who is in action at this week’s Memorial Tournament – will be involved via video call. The inclusion comes just weeks after he revealed that McIlroy’s attempt to return to the Tour’s policy board was rejected.
The Northern Irishman had initially resigned from his role as a player director last November, having found himself embroiled in the off-course politics. Last month however McIlroy showed his interest in making a return to the board, but this was reportedly turned down by his fellow players, including Woods.
According to Golf Digest, the pair’s differing views on the PGA Tour’s plan with LIV Golf had seen their relationship ‘sour’ in recent months, but this was played down by McIlroy. “I would say, I mean, I think friends can have disagreements or not see things – I guess not – not see eye to eye on things but have disagreements on things,” McIlroy said at the Wells Fargo Championship.
Rory McIlroy shares a close relationship with Tiger Woods
“I think that’s fine. But no, I wouldn’t say – we had a really good talk last Friday for 45 minutes just about a lot of different things. No, there’s no strain there. I think we might see the future of golf a little bit differently, but I don’t think that should place any strain on a relationship or on a friendship.”
Despite the rejection McIlroy remains involved in the Tour’s talks with PIF, and will play his part in Friday’s meeting, all whilst hoping to win his second PGA Tour title in a month at Muirfield Village. Explaining his role prior to his Wells Fargo win, he commented: “I’ve already had calls with that group – I had a really good hour and a half Zoom with those guys on Sunday.
“We went through a 150-page doc about the future product model and everything. Yeah, I’m not on the board, but I’m in some way involved in that transaction committee. I don’t have a vote so I don’t – you know, I don’t have I guess a meaningful say in what happens in the future.”
