PGA TOUR PLAYER DIRECTORS CAN MEET WITH LIV BACKERS

Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott have revealed that player directors on the PGA Tour board are being encouraged to engage in discussions with the leader of the Saudi Arabia wealth fund linked to LIV Golf. This development signals a potential investment opportunity.

Reportedly, a meeting might occur shortly after The Players Championship, as per Golfweek’s sources. However, it remains uncertain if Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Public Investment Fund, has confirmed the meeting.

Spieth commented on the matter, stating, “I’m not sure that I can say much more other than we’re being encouraged to potentially meet with them.” He emphasized the importance of the entire board participating in negotiations.

Scott expressed his curiosity about meeting with the U.S. private equity groups and emphasized the significance of all players having a say in potential deals.

The current player directors include Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Webb Simpson, and Peter Malnati, alongside Spieth and Scott.

The initial announcement of a framework agreement with PIF on June 6 raised eyebrows among players, as only commissioner Jay Monahan and board members Ed Herlihy and Jimmy Dunne were involved.

The agreement aimed to be finalized by Dec. 31, but subsequent congressional involvement and interest from U.S. investors, such as the Strategic Sports Group deal announced on Jan. 31, have complicated matters.

Spieth had previously expressed skepticism about the necessity of a deal with PIF, while McIlroy, who Spieth replaced on the board, believed otherwise, stating that LIV players should not be penalized.

Monahan, though vague on specifics, expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations, emphasizing a shared vision to enhance golf’s global potential.

While some directors, including Woods and Cantlay, have yet to meet with Al-Rumayyan or Saudi golf leaders, Scott views such a meeting as inevitable and necessary for progress.

Scott concluded by stating his desire to resolve the situation, regardless of the outcome, to allow everyone to move forward.