PGA Tour Enterprises have reportedly agreed a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, according to a report on the eve of the US Open.
Lightning has struck between PGA Tour Enterprises and LIV Golf’s backers.
At least that is the assertion from the prominent golf reporter Alan Shipnuck.
On June 11th, Shipnuck went to X to assert that he was informed about the news by an agent who represents individuals in both the PGA Tour and an alternate circuit.
The unverified news emerged shortly after both parties met in New York to carry on with their discussions.   Rory McIlroy participated in the conversation through a video call from Muirfield Village and mentioned that he was pleased with the progress being made.   Webb Simpson, a member of the PGA Tour policy board, supported the statement. Â
During his news conference before the 2024 US Open, golf legend Tiger Woods stated that the meeting was productive. However, 48-year-old Woods did not fully confirm that any agreement had been reached.
Nevertheless, he mentioned that they are getting closer to reaching that stage compared to before the meeting. During the discussion, various possible outcomes were explored and strategies to reach them were thoroughly analyzed. “I believe that everyone left the meeting feeling very optimistic.”
“As I said, both sides were looking at different ways to get to the end game. I think that both sides shared a deep passion for how we need to get there.
“And yes, there are going to be differences of opinion, but we all want the same thing.”
“A prominent agent who has clients on both tours tells me a âdraft agreementâ was signed today between PGA Tour Enterprises and the PIF to finalize Saudi investment in the Tour. This is definite progress but the devil is in the details, which have not yet been leaked.” – Alan Shipnuck
This is a seismic development if true
A year ago, PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan sat alongside his LIV rival and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan on American TV to announce the ‘framework agreement’.
All litigation was dropped.
It was a bolt from the blue and angered high-profile professional golfers as it was done without their knowledge.
Initially, the likes of McIlroy were enraged but the Northern Irishman later softened his stance on the rival league.
He has insisted that reunification is in the best interests of the men’s game.
A deadline of 31 December was set to conclude the deal.
But the date passed without the agreement being ratified.
Stumbling blocks to the deal appeared to be the reluctance of American stars to embrace a truly global schedule.
Another thorny topic was if LIV players should face financial penalties if they wished to return to the PGA Tour.
The response of the US government to the agreement was also a significant concern.
PGA Tour policy board members met Al-Rumayyan for the first time in March this year. The meet-and-greet event followed a $1.5 billion investment by the Strategic Sports Group in PGA Tour Enterprises. With the infusion of money, many believed that the North American circuit was trying to become independent. However, the attitude has changed once more in the past few weeks.
Jordan Spieth stated before the Charles Schwab Challenge that he believes the perception of things being in a negative state and progressing slowly is inaccurate, and he disagrees with some of the statements and questions directed towards him.
I believe that I am aware that it is actually untrue. “There are positive developments happening on both sides.”
“I believe in the end we will reach a point where the standard of professional golf is potentially at its peak.”
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