Navigating the intricacies of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf deals continues to bewilder the media, professionals, and all other parties involved.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan resumed office amid increasing speculation and lack of information about the future of their joint venture deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund ( PIF) which promoted the rebel LIV TOUR.
Monahan took a surprising leave of absence on June 13, just days after the shocking revelation of the PGA Tour’s proposed partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). In the letter announcing his return, Monahan wrote, “I am deeply sorry that I haven’t been able to be with you during this time. The last two years have been gruelling for us all. I experienced that toll personally in the days following the announcement of our framework agreement and encountered adverse impacts on my health. With the support of my family and thanks to world class medical care, my health has improved dramatically.”
The PGA Tour currently faces a series of potential hurdles with its agreement with the Saudi PIF. The deal has drawn the attention of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a body responsible for assessing potential threats to national security in merger deals. This review process, which has commenced, will scrutinise the details of the partnership between the PGA Tour and PIF.
Furthermore, the tour remains under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for potential antitrust violations. The PIF’s investment in the tour is expected to fall under the purview of this ongoing investigation, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
With The 151st Open championship being played next week in Liverpool and LIV golf and the Asian Tour all scheduling events in the UK around the same time – the attention of world golf is centered around the future of the joint venture between the Saudi PIF, PGA Tour & European ( DP World) Tour. Also the fate of players who went to LIV is up in the air – will they be reinstated by the tours and will the LIV Golf League continue and be awarded World Ranking Points ?
Players and media continue to be in the dark and the answers will be revealed over time.
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Photo – Golf Digest