Tiger Woods has echoed the sentiments of Rory McIlroy and the PGA Tour, describing last week’s meeting between the circuit’s transaction subcommittee and representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as “productive.”
Making headway say woods
Woods, who attended the meeting in New York City in person, stated that both parties are making headway towards a potential deal. This agreement would unify the sport under a new for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises, and bring an end to the two-year conflict between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-funded LIV Golf league.
“It was productive. And is there light at the end of the tunnel? I think we’re closer to that point than we were pre-meeting,” Woods remarked on Tuesday at the U.S. Open.
Who are on the subcommittee?
The transaction subcommittee, which includes Woods, McIlroy, Adam Scott, and John Henry of Strategic Sports Group, met with PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in March in the Bahamas. That meeting was also deemed “progressive,” though it was acknowledged that significant differences remained between the two parties.
Key issues
Key issues, such as how LIV Golf’s team concept might be integrated into the for-profit model and the complexities of reinstating players suspended for joining the breakaway circuit, continue to be central topics of discussion. However, Woods’ tone suggested that the divide between the two factions is narrowing.
WHICH LIV GOLFERS ARE PLAYING THE US OPEN?
https://www.livgolf.com/news/quick-look-13-liv-golf-players-in-us-open-pinehurst
Both feeling sides feeling positive
“We discussed a lot of different endings and how we get there,” Woods explained. “I think that both sides walked away from the meeting feeling very positive. Both sides were considering different ways to achieve the end game. I believe that both parties shared a deep passion for finding a solution. And yes, there will be differences of opinion, but we all want the same outcome.”
PGA Tour statement
Following last Friday’s meeting, the Tour released a statement indicating that negotiations with PIF have accelerated in recent months. The two sides “have been meeting multiple times weekly to work through potential deal terms.”
The framework agreement reached last June between the Tour and PIF ended litigation between the two sides and opened the door for negotiations towards a definitive agreement. However, despite a deadline set for 31 December 2023, a conclusive outcome remains elusive.
