PGA Tour on Target to Seal Saudi Partnership by Deadline

Golf star Tiger Woods has said that the PGA Tour plans to finalize its partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) before their self-imposed deadline of December 31, 2023.

Woods, who joined the PGA Tour board in August, confirmed the deadline remains as set in early June, when the two parties and the European-based DP World Tour announced a merger.

However, both sides could agree to extend the date. The Saudi PIF is the main financial backer of the PGA Tour’s recent rival, LIV Golf.

The PGA Tour is in the process of finalizing its merger plans ahead of the deadline. Talks will continue with US-based Strategic Sports Group (SSG) who may become a co-investor.

SSG includes Fenway Sports Group, owners of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and Premier League club Liverpool.

The 15-time major winner, who made his return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last month, was speaking after playing the opening round of the PNC Championship along with his son Charlie in Florida.

Woods did not comment on Jon Rahm’s situation after he joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, becoming the biggest name to switch to the tournament after Masters champion.