U.S. lawmakers have voiced concerns over the proposed alliance between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, citing potential national security risks and fears of "sportswashing" Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The framework agreement announced on June 6, 2023, aims to unify men's professional golf, but negotiations have extended beyond the deal's expiration at the end of 2023. On Thursday, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, along with player directors Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, will meet with U.S. officials at the White House to discuss the way forward.
Tiger Woods has expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations with the PIF, which finances the rival LIV Golf League.
"I think things are going to heal quickly," – Tiger Woods
The PIF's proposed $1.5 billion investment into PGA Tour Enterprises is currently under review by the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust division. The PGA Tour is eager to accelerate federal approval of this significant deal, believing that reunification will bring all top players together.
The meeting at the White House forms part of a broader strategy to re-unify men's professional golf. Jay Monahan has emphasized the importance of keeping fans' interests at heart, aiming for a single tour featuring the best players worldwide.
"We're going to get this game going in the right direction. It's been heading in the wrong direction for a number of years and the fans want all of us to play together — all the top players playing together — and we're going to make that happen." – Tiger Woods
Earlier this month, Monahan described his meeting with former President Donald Trump as "productive," focusing on the reunification of professional golf. Whether Trump or PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan will attend Thursday's discussions remains uncertain.
Monahan's comments suggest a collective enthusiasm among stakeholders to finalize the deal.
"I think there's a general — when you look at all the parties involved — there's a general enthusiasm for getting this done," – Jay Monahan
The PGA Tour hopes that the meeting will be a pivotal step in re-unifying men's professional golf.
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