Tiger Woods says negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are “ongoing” but an agreement is not vital because of the Strategic Sports Group’s (SSG) £2.39 billion deal with the US organisation.
A split between elite golfers on the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit could go some way to being resolved under a framework announced by leaders in June.
The plan would make the PIF part of the PGA Tour’s new commercial entity, but contracts have not been signed and US regulatory approval is yet to be confirmed for the agreement.
“PIF is ongoing and we are still negotiating,” said Woods, who is on the PGA’s policy board. “We have solidified our agreement with SSG. Ultimately, we would like to have PIF be a part of our tour and product – but financially, we don’t now.”
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The investment by SSG, which is a consortium led by the Fenway Sports Group, is hugely lucrative for players. Woods said the “monies” the group had “come to the table with” meant the PGA Tour’s financial plans had not altered.
“Anything beyond [that] is going to be obviously over and above,” he added. “We’re in a great position right now.”
Tiger Woods: PIF aims ‘evolve’
Woods was asked whether he knew the full extent of PIF’s ambitions. “From what their representatives have discussed with us, yes and no,” the former world number one replied.
“That changes and evolves from what it was a few months ago to what it is now. It’s not good or bad, it’s just an ongoing, fluid process.”
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The 48-year-old is hosting and playing in the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles this week and hopes to play one tournament each month after missing most of 2023, returning with a fused ankle.
“My ankle doesn’t hurt anymore because the bones aren’t rubbing,” he said. “Other parts of my body have to take the brunt of it, just like how my back is fused. Other parts of my body have to adapt.
“I love playing, I love competing, I love being part of the game. This is the game of a lifetime and I don’t ever want to stop playing.”
