LIV Golf chairman reveals stance on PGA Tour deal

LIV Golf chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan has told players that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) will continue to “invest in and support” the breakaway league. 

Uncertainty continues to reign over a deal between LIV’s financiers PIF and the PGA Tour after a historic deal was announced by the US circuit on Wednesday.

The PGA Tour has closed an investment worth up to $3billion with a private equity group to form a new for-profit company named PGA Tour Enterprises.

A deal the Strategic Sports Group, a conglomerate of billionaire sports owners led by Liverpool FC owners Fenway Sports Group, does not involve the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

• PGA Tour announces landmark $3bn deal

• Greg Norman: ‘Nothing changes’ for LIV Golf after PGA Tour deal

But the Tour has noted that negotiations are still ongoing, with the SSG deal paving the way for the PIF to also become co-investors, pending regulatory approval.

And PIF governor Al-Rumayann has informed his players ahead of LIV’s season-opener at Mayakoba that the PGA Tour’s deal is “is consistent with PIF’s longstanding passion to grow the game.”

In a letter obtained by Sports Illustrated, Al-Rumayyan wrote:”Yesterday’s announcement of the formation of PGA Tour Enterprises is consistent with PIF’s longstanding passion to grow the game. PIF continues to discuss and evaluate the possibility of a future investment that benefits the greater game of golf.

“PIF remains committed to investing in and supporting LIV and the team golf format that has brought new energy and so many new fans to the game around the world. The game of golf is only beginning to fulfil its potential. This is the vision we had when LIV was created, and today that is more alive than ever.”

• New LIV signing claims majors risk becoming more “obselete”

• Former major champ slams ‘jerk’ Greg Norman

Al-Rumayyan’s message was echoed by commissioner Greg Norman, who insisted it was “full steam ahead” for LIV, shutting down any uncertainty over what the PGA Tour’s new commercial venture means for the circuit’s future.

“Let me make one thing very clear: nothing announced by other tours or investment groups changes LIV Golf’s positive trajectory or future plans,” Norman wrote in a letter to his staff.

“We started LIV Golf with the goal of creating something new, taking the game to a global, diverse audience and driving innovation while growing golf’s fanbase.

“More investment in golf is a great thing for the game and for us. It’s a positive development for our players, our fans, and for the long-term future of the game.”

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.