PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan says negotiations with PIF and LIV Golf are “accelerating.” What do we know?

In our recent piece, we touched on the current status of negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Indeed, there were a number of factors that appeared to be hindering the process. From division amongst players to increased scrutiny from the U.S. government itself, to a growing desire to seek out American investment rather than that which comes from foreign sources. Nonetheless, we now stand somewhat closer to a deal according to the PGA’s commissioner.

Jay Monahan is hopeful of a deal between PGA Tour & LIV Golf

According to comments from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, negotiations with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia are “accelerating.” Monahan also went on to express that between the former rival golf leagues, there is a “shared vision to quiet the noise and unlock golf’s worldwide potential.” That said, he was also clear in his acknowledgment of how complicated discussions were such that they would “take time”, however, he remained firm in his belief that there is a “positive outcome” on the horizon.

To be clear, this is only the third time that Monahan has addressed the media regarding the merger, since he shocked the golf world and beyond last summer when he announced that a “framework agreement” had been made with the DP World Tour and PIF to form a single entity to govern the game. The timing is of course interesting to note as the Players Championship is just around the corner. Fans are “tired of conflict and who is getting what” Monahan said before adding that they “want to watch the world’s best golfers compete with history and at venues that they recognize and love.”

Interestingly, Monahan explained that in his opinion a deal of such stature “can’t be negotiated in public,” however, he disclosed that along with other members of the PGA Tour Policy Board, he attended meetings in Saudi Arabia back in January. There, they met with PIF governor and the director of LIV Golf, Yasir Al-Rumayyan. That step followed an announcement that almost $3 billion in private equity would be invested into PGA Tour Enterprises, the new for-profit entity that is separate from the PGA Tour. It’s most definitely worth noting that those funds have been provided by the Strategic Sports Group, which is comprised of various American sports owners and regarded in some ways as a means to avoid the use of PIF investment. At this point, it remains to be seen exactly how all of this will pan out, but if we take Monahan’s words at face value, it’s now only a matter of time.