Tiger Woods, the golf legend, recently hosted Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and supporter of LIV Golf, at his residence in the Bahamas. The meeting shed light on various topics, ranging from the future landscape of golf to the potential benefits PIF could offer the PGA Tour.
According to Webb Simpson, who shared insights with Sports Illustrated, Woods was actively engaged throughout the discussion. Simpson described Woods as taking on a leadership role during the conversation, which also touched upon the broader outlook for the sport. Additionally, it was noted that Woods and Al-Rumayyan enjoyed a round of golf at the Albany course, located near the venue for the Hero World Challenge.
Despite the meeting, it appears that both parties are yet to reach a formal agreement to unite their respective initiatives. Simpson characterized the gathering as exploratory, aimed at elucidating PIF’s possible involvement with the PGA Tour should negotiations progress.
Simpson articulated his own curiosity about Al-Rumayyan’s intentions and the progress of LIV Golf, emphasizing the gathering as an opportunity for mutual understanding. The meeting also included Peter Malnati, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay, and Joe Ogilvie, along with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and representatives from the Strategic Sports Group.
While specifics about the future of golf were not extensively discussed, Simpson noted that Al-Rumayyan expressed a vision for the sport’s evolution. This vision includes a potential role for golf in Saudi Arabia to facilitate global growth. Malnati appreciated gaining insights into Al-Rumayyan’s perspectives and accomplishments but reiterated the desire to see all top players compete together in the future.