PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has confirmed that Tiger Woods and his fellow player directors recently convened with the chairman of LIV Golf, Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Woods, 48, flew into Nassau aboard his private jet after wrapping up the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. The meeting took place at the Albany resort, where Woods frequently docks his yacht Privacy. According to Barstool Sports’ Dan Rapaport, Woods even teed off with Al-Rumayyan before the discussion.
Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which backs the LIV Golf League, has been in talks with the PGA Tour amidst doubts over a potential peace deal. LIV recently secured Jon Rahm, while the PGA Tour engaged US-based investors after sealing a $3 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group. Despite high-profile players like Jordan Spieth suggesting the necessity of a deal with the PIF might be debatable, Woods is reportedly skeptical about Saudi investment in PGA Tour Enterprises.
Several players have expressed interest in hearing Al-Rumayyan’s pitch, with world number two Rory McIlroy stating the meeting should have occurred months earlier. He also hinted at tension with Greg Norman, suggesting the LIV chairman may have misrepresented Al-Rumayyan. A memo from Monahan to PGA Tour members, obtained by Ryan French, indicated that there meeting was productive, although specific details remain confidential, aligning with the Tour’s policy of not negotiating publicly. Monahan emphasized the importance of due diligence in selecting potential investors and assured members of ongoing updates.