Tiger Woods meets PGA Tour for Saudi PIF negotiations this week

Tiger Woods is set to participate in negotiations between PGA Tour officials and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) this week in New York City. The discussions, which will also include golfer Adam Scott, are expected to last several days and could lead to a significant financial agreement, potentially exceeding $1 billion for PGA Tour Enterprises. This follows the announcement in June 2023 of a merger between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the DP World Tour, which aimed to resolve ongoing tensions between the PGA and LIV Golf. Despite the merger, the deal has not yet been finalized, and the deadline for completion passed on December 31. Nevertheless, negotiations have continued, with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressing optimism about reaching a positive outcome. The involvement of Woods, a prominent figure in golf, may enhance the likelihood of a successful agreement. The merger was intended to stabilize the golf landscape after LIV Golf attracted several high-profile players from the PGA Tour, including Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka. The PGA Tour has since banned LIV golfers from its events, although they can still compete in major tournaments if eligible. In a letter to players, Monahan indicated that those who left for LIV Golf would have the chance to apply for reinstatement. The recent engagement of Woods in the negotiations signals a renewed effort to solidify the future of professional golf and address the challenges posed by LIV Golf's emergence.