Over the past several months, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been trying to work out a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund that would bring a sort of alliance between the two rival leagues. And it sounds like Tiger Woods was part of those discussions with the group that funds LIV Golf.
LIV Golf is funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which run by Yasir Al-Rumayyan. This week, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and player directors from the tour’s policy board met with Al-Rumayyan about a potential alliance with LIV Golf and the PIF. And based on flight tracker information, it seems that Tiger Woods was at the meeting too.
“According to @radaratlas2, jets owned by the PGA Tour and SSG’s John Henry just left for the Bahamas. Tiger Woods’ plane and one registered to Aramco/PIF are already there,” golf columnist Eamon Lynch said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
According to @radaratlas2, jets owned by the PGA Tour and SSG's John Henry just left for the Bahamas. Tiger Woods' plane and one registered to Aramco/PIF are already there.
— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) March 18, 2024
According to Dan Rapaport, Woods even played golf with al-Rumayyan.
“Hearing that Tiger Woods and Yasir al-Rumayyan will play golf/have already played to discuss the future of pro golf in the Bahamas. Love that the biggest meetings to discuss the future of golf take place…on the golf course,” Rapaport said.
Hearing that Tiger Woods and Yasir al-Rumayyan will play golf/have already played to discuss the future of pro golf in the Bahamas.
Love that the biggest meetings to discuss the future of golf take place…on the golf course.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) March 18, 2024
Obviously, this is some pretty shocking and significant news that Woods seems to be working toward an alliance with LIV Golf, especially after how strongly he pushed against the Saudi-backed league for months, and people had a lot to say about it on social media.
I hope they listen and then walk away. The damage LIV is doing to the PGA Tour is overpaying players to participate in an exhibition league that would likely fail without PIF funding. LIV is not growing the game
— 001000100001 (@___000100101) March 18, 2024
No probably not how when only 1 side has anything to gain
— Kevin Richards (@Bemho24) March 19, 2024
Tiger Woods is meeting the boss of LIV Golf out on the golf course, with peace talks within the professional game continuing 🤝 https://t.co/JFH2SxGNan pic.twitter.com/CqMPGgsItS
— Mirror US Sports (@MirrorUSSports) March 18, 2024
Tiger Woods has pulled his hamstring on the 7th hole & returned to the clubhouse. Cantlay joins Yasir's group now, discussions to resume at dinner in 4 1/2 hours immediately after the round. https://t.co/WePnuxW1T5
— LIV Golf Enthusiast (@LIVGolfEnth) March 18, 2024
Just Tiger Woods meeting with the equivalent of Mussolini’s investment manager to discuss Mussolini’s role in professional golf—the sport of personal honor (golf that is, professional golf not so much). If Tiger advised him to stick to camel racing, would be legend. Won’t though. https://t.co/AklQglc8u3
— Gabriel (@Real___Gabriel) March 19, 2024
What is going on🤯 https://t.co/2CJTKZ2Mur
— -1 Thru 1 Podcast (@1Thru1Pod) March 18, 2024
what a sellout
— Rickie Flower Tracker (@FowlerIamnot) March 18, 2024
Yup, this is exactly what was needed. Tiger’s ego needs the power of the decision. Tiger will get his way, just as the future of golf should be. Decided by the Big Cat! Bring em back together Eldrick!!!
— Brad Murray (@DrBradMurray) March 18, 2024
It’s not clear what was discussed at these meetings, but Monahan did confirm that the meetings took place.
