Jay Monahan “certain” over outcome of PGA Tour-PIF deal

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan is “certain” that the framework agreement with the Saudi-backers of LIV Golf will be completed.

Monahan provided a fresh update on his tour’s so-called merger with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia at East Lake ahead of the season-ending Tour Championship.

It was announced on June 6 that the US circuit would join forces with PIF – the Saudi sovereign wealth fund that bankrolls the LIV series – as part of one commercial entity to unite the sport.

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But the details of the framework agreement between the previously warring factions have remained ambiguous as the parties aim to thrash out a deal before the January 1 2024 deadline.

Monahan, however, has expressed his full confidence in a “positive outcome” that will benefit the PGA Tour.

“We have put an end to the divisive and distracting litigation,” he said on Tuesday in Atlanta.

“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 certain of it.”

Monahan added: “At this point, I don’t have any reason to believe it won’t be successful. I fully acknowledge this hasn’t been an easy road. Ultimately, I do feel really strongly about the result we’re going to have.”

One of Monahan’s main challenges since returning back to work after a health scare has been to restore trust from his playing membership, many of whom felt blindsided after the initial top-secret truce talks.

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Tiger Woods has since been appointed onto the PGA Tour Policy Board as a Player Director and has thrown his support behind the commissioner, with efforts now being made to improve transparency in decision-making.

And while there is still consternation about the lack of details regarding the future golfing landscape, Monahan has reiterated that only so much information can be revealed whilst framework agreement talks are still ongoing.

“Once you get to this position, it’s pretty standard that there isn’t going to be a lot that you’re going to be able to share,” he said.

“We continue to reinforce the fact that the framework agreement is the path that we’re on. And when we’re able to share more information, we will. They also understand it’s our job to put forward the best possible construct with PIF for the future.

“We’re going to take that back to our board. Ultimately, they’re going to decide whether we’re going to move forward with it. That’s a process they’re getting more comfortable with now that they understand it.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.