24 August 2023 , 14:18
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Rory McIlroy has discussed what Tiger Woods will bring to the PGA Tour's ongoing negotiations surrounding the framework agreement with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).
The PGA Tour shocked the world of golf in June when confirming they had reached an agreement with PIF that would see them work alongside their LIV Golf rivals. Since the announcement, negotiations surrounding the future of golf have continued but a criticism from a number of players was their lack of input, after Tour bosses had initially taken aim at the Saudis' involvement in the sport with the LIV setup.
Moving forward it appears any decision regarding the deal will receive consultation from playing members, with the Tour confirming last month that, "no major decision can be made in the future without the prior involvement and approval of the Player Directors."
One man who has become the latest Player Director is 82-time PGA Tour winner Woods, who joins his close ally McIlroy as well as Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati, and Webb Simpson. Woods is set to have more time than most to delve into the off-field dealings amid his ongoing fitness issues preventing him from competing.
And McIlroy has revealed the 15-time major champion is already busy in his role. "I think Tiger being on the board, you know, he's, I think it's meaningful that he's on it, that he's engaged," the Northern Irishman said at this week's Tour Championship. "He's certainly been spending more time on it than I have.
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Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are both on the Policy Board (Christian Petersen/Getty Images))"He's been talking to some people. He's been talking to a lot of people. He's really engaged in just trying to get the best outcome for the players on the PGA Tour. So I think his difference has been felt already. I think it will only continue to, his presence on there will only continue to grow as we head towards that December 31 deadline."
Doubt has been cast over the Tour meeting the end-of-year deadline in recent weeks, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler revealing this month that Jay Monahan and co still have a 'long way to go' in signing off the agreement. Comissioner Monahan however remains confident, insisting there is "no reason" a deal will not be done come January 1.