22 August 2023 , 15:51
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PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has offered a fresh update on the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).
Monahan shocked the world of golf in June, after confirming the Tour had reached an agreement with PIF that would see them work in unison with their LIV Golf rivals after a 12-month feud. In the weeks following details on what comes next in regard to the proposed 'merger' have remained sparse.
Soon after the announcement was made, Tour boss Monahan was forced to take a leave of absence, citing medical issues for his decision to take a temporary step back. He has since made a return to his post, but has come under huge pressure on the back of the PIF deal.
In recent weeks doubt on the final framework that any agreement has crept in amongst players, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler claiming the PGA Tour has a 'long way to go' in its negotiations with PIF, whilst Tom Hoge claimed it was a 'very real possibility', that the deal could fall through.
Amid the speculation Monahan has opened up on what comes next for the Tour ahead of the 'proposed merger' with the LIV setup. Speaking at this week's Tour Championship, the commissioner confirmed that 'frequent talks' had been held with their Saudi counterparts.
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The PGA Tour have come under fire following the agreement (Getty Images)Addressing the doubt cast on the agreement officially being signed off, Monahan claimed that the circuit's leadership were: " Confident that we will reach a positive outcome for the PGA Tour," adding that there is 'no reason' to think the deal will not be finalised by January 1.
One of the dark clouds hanging over the proposed deal was the legal litigation between the two parties, which had been at the forefront of the Tour's battle with LIV Golf for almost a year. Monahan however confirmed this court battle had now been ended.
"We have put an end to the divisive and distracting litigation," he added. "We have safeguards in place to control the future. I am confident we will reach an agreement that will have a positive impact for the PGA Tour and our fans. I’m confident in that.”