Tiger Woods Remains Uncertain About PGA Tour Negotiations and His Own Future
Tiger Woods, one of golf’s most iconic figures, expressed uncertainty on Tuesday regarding the ongoing negotiations between the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, as well as his own future as a player.
Hosting the Hero World Challenge at the Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas, Woods is not participating in the tournament, citing his recovery from a sixth surgery on his lower back. While he is involved in the event as a host, questions about his return to competitive play remain unanswered.
“I’m not tournament sharp yet,” Woods admitted. “These are 20 of the best players in the world, and I’m not sharp enough to compete against them at this level. When I’m ready to compete and play at this level, then I will.”
Beyond his recovery, Woods has been deeply involved in PGA Tour business matters. Appointed to the PGA Tour board a year ago, he holds a significant role with no term limits and is also part of the board of the commercial PGA Tour Enterprises.
Negotiations have been underway for the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia to become a minority investor in PGA Tour Enterprises. This potential investment follows the tour’s recent $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group and the launch of a player equity program. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan recently played alongside PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the Dunhill Links Championship on the European Tour, indicating ongoing discussions.
“I think all of us who have been a part of this process would have thought it would have happened quicker than this,” Woods commented, suggesting that any deal would still require approval from the Justice Department. “But things are very fluid. We’re still working through it; it’s happening daily. From a policy board standpoint or from an enterprise standpoint, things are moving, and they’re constructive.”
In a related development, reports have emerged that the European Tour is in separate talks with the PIF, potentially leading to a shared schedule that allows players from both the European Tour and LIV Golf to compete across circuits.
“We all want to get past this and do what’s best for the tour,” Woods said. “In trying to do that, some eggs are going to be knocked over, and it’s going to be a little bit difficult at times. But in the end, we’re going to get a product that’s better for all the fans and all the players involved, and get some peace that the game desperately needs.”
As for his own future on the course, Woods remained non-committal. He did not disclose whether he plans to participate in the upcoming PNC Championship with his son, Charlie—a 36-hole event where he has played in recent years using a cart. Reflecting on his year, Woods acknowledged that 2024 has been challenging due to his ongoing back issues.
“I’m still not there,” he reiterated regarding his readiness to return to competitive play.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
