Patrick Cantlay, a player director on the PGA Tour policy board, recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Despite the lack of new information in recent months, Cantlay remains optimistic about the progress being made.
In an interview before the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Cantlay acknowledged that the discussions have quieted down, but emphasized that the nature of such negotiations involves ebbs and flows based on the information being released. He highlighted the continuous efforts of everyone involved to achieve the best possible outcome, emphasizing the ever-evolving nature of the PGA Tour.
It has been over a year since the initial announcement of a “framework agreement” for a merger between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and the PIF, which finances LIV Golf. Despite missing a deadline for finalizing the deal, there has been limited progress, with a recent meeting between PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and PGA Tour representatives in New York.
When asked about the potential timeline for reaching a resolution, Cantlay deferred to the transaction committee, noting that updates would be shared with the board for further discussion. The transaction subcommittee includes notable figures such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Adam Scott, indicating the significance of the negotiations for the future of professional golf.
While the details of the PGA-PIF talks remain shrouded in mystery, Cantlay’s comments suggest a cautious optimism regarding the eventual outcome. As stakeholders continue to work towards a resolution, the golfing world eagerly awaits further developments in this groundbreaking merger.