ORLANDO – Tiger Woods made it clear that the deadline of Dec. 31, for completing a framework agreement between PGA Tour, Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (which finances LIV Golf), is firm.
He said, “As it stands now, this is our deadline and timeframe.” “That was stated back in early July. “And that hasn’t altered.”
Tiger and Charlie, his son had just left the soggy Ritz Carlton Golf Club after they shot 8-under-64. They were seven shots behind Matt Kuchar, a Bear Lakes resident, and Cameron, his son. The 36-hole tournament concludes on Sunday.
Tiger has played his second tournament since April, when he had ankle surgery. While he recovered, he increased golf commitments when he joined the board. He is now the sixth player director alongside five independent directors and a director representing the PGA of America.
The board is currently working to finalize the agreement announced in June. Some reports have doubts that the two sides can reach an agreement by the deadline.
Tiger stated, “We are trying to reach an agreement with the various entities we have here.” The Strategic Sports Group has now entered the picture. “But we still have time until the 31st.”
The PGA Tour has begun talks with SSG to invest $3 billion in the Tour. The Tour could receive at least $5 billion in windfall if it reaches agreements with SSG and PIF.
SSG is an association of professional U.S. team owners, including John Henry and Arthur Blank.
Jon Rahm, the latest star to switch to LIV, boosted The Tour’s bargaining power. Rahm is ranked No. According to reports, Rahm will earn over $550 million in total between his contract and bonuses.
Tiger was asked to give his reaction Saturday when Rahm announced his decision.
He said: “Well, over the years, there have been many rumors about certain players leaving, but it was just speculation until it actually happened. There were rumors about names going or not going , and whether it materialized . “So, we assumed that it was only speculation until it actually happened.”
Kuchar gives LIV credit for positive changes made to the PGA Tour. The 2024 schedule includes eight signature events, seven of which will have purses worth $20 million and The Players will award $25 million.
Kutchar stated, “I believe that what is happening with the LIV Tour has pushed the PGA Tour into making some changes.” Kutchar said, “I believe some of the changes are good.
“Listen up, if this was your first year on the Tour, you’ve had full-field tournaments with huge purses. It was a good year to be a Tour player. If you are in the Top-50 this year, it’s going to be a great year.
I don’t think this is the final version of the PGA Tour. I think we’ll tweak it. “I think that the LIV Tour has forced the Tour to make some adjustments.”
