Living golf legend Tiger Woods has finally broken his silence on the subject of LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour and Saudi investment.
There was a lot to take in from Tiger Woods’ pre-tournament press conference ahead of the Genesis Invitational.
It was the first time reporters were given the opportunity to quiz Woods, 48, about the latest developments in men’s professional golf.
The biggest development was undoubtedly the PGA Tour’s $3bn deal with Strategic Sports Group and what that means for a potential Saudi investment in the new, for profit-entity PGA Tour Enterprises.
In the past few weeks, prominent players in the golf industry have attracted attention with their opinions about whether the established North American circuit should consider or desire a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s PIF.
Jordan Spieth caused surprise when he addressed the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, claiming that the PIF agreement is unnecessary considering the extent of SSG’s participation.
His remarks contradicted the viewpoint of Rory McIlroy, who acknowledges that the Saudi Arabian influence in worldwide sports cannot be halted.
As far as McIlroy is concerned, the schism in the men’s game needs to end and a global tour should be created.
The Northern Irishman also stated LIV players should be able to return to the PGA Tour, should they wish to, without financial penalties.
“It’s hard to punish people,” McIlroy said, who resigned his position on the Tour’s policy board and was replaced by Spieth.
So how does Woods view PIF involvement?
It was interesting that Woods stayed silent in the immediate aftermath of last June’s ‘framework agreement’ announcement with the PIF.
And he has expressed some anger at PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan over his handling of the deal.
Unsurprisingly, Woods has a similar thought process to Spieth.
“Ultimately we would like to have PIF be a part of our tour and a part of our product,” he said. “Financially, we don’t [need that] right now.
“The monies that they have come to the table with and what we initially had agreed to in the framework agreement, those are all the same numbers.
“Anything beyond this is going to be obviously over and above. We’re in a great position right now.”
Asked about the delay to the PIF’s involvement, Woods said ultimately would like the PIF as part of the Tour and product.
“The PIF deal obviously is ongoing,” he said. “We have solidified our agreement with SSG. PIF is ongoing and we are still negotiating.”
Woods also confirmed that he has not met with LIV chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan yet.
McIlroy met with Al-Rumayyan in secret in December 2022 to ask the powerful Saudi businessman what he wanted.
Woods conceded he doesn’t know what the Saudis’ end goal is.
“I don’t know if it’s good or bad,” he said. “It’s an ongoing, fluid process.”
Still, he believes the future looks bright.
“The consortium that they have at SSG, the partners that have come together to be a part of the group, is quite remarkable, to be honest with you, in the sports industry,” he said.
“They are unbelievable leaders and at a time when we need great leaders going forward, I think this elicits that. The amazing brains, the ideas that can make this tour better… we are looking forward to that.”
“We’re looking at pathways back”
Woods was also asked about pathways back for the LIV players.
According to the 15-time major champion, there is currently no response available.
He stated that they are exploring various models for possible return routes.
“At present, there is no answer regarding how it will appear, what consequences it will have for the players who chose to remain, those who departed, and in what ways we can enhance our product going forward.”
“We are observing a significant divergence in thoughts and the uncertain manifestations of these ideas in the immediate future.”
“We are uncertain about the future outcome over an extended period.”
“I assure you, there are regular emails and discussions about this matter, exploring how it will impact our future tour plans.”