Tiger Woods is becoming a member of the PGA Tour’s newly expanded coverage board, the tour introduced Tuesday, in a transfer aimed toward cooling participant tensions over secrecy surrounding merger talks with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf.
The 15-time main champion, a long-time supporter of the PGA Tour in its battle with upstart LIV, can have a direct say in approving any eventual take care of the Saudi Public Funding Fund (PIF), the framework of which was unveiled in June to the shock of tour gamers.
“I’m honored to signify the gamers of the PGA Tour,” Woods mentioned in an announcement from the tour.
Watch each spherical of the PGA Tour LIVE & Unique on Fox Sports activities, accessible on Kayo. New to Kayo? Begin your free trial now >
“This can be a crucial level for the tour, and the gamers will do their greatest to make sure that any adjustments which might be made in tour operations are in one of the best curiosity of all tour stakeholders, together with followers, sponsors and gamers.”
PGA commissioner Jay Monahan, underneath hearth from many gamers over dealing with of the LIV talks since he made the announcement, mentioned future rule adjustments would require the involvement and approval of the six participant administrators from the board, together with Woods and Rory McIlroy.
That provides participant representatives an higher hand on the 11-member board and the facility in all selections relating to any closing settlement with the Saudis.
Day beggars perception with INSANE birdie | 00:43
The particular advisor to the participant administrators, Colin Neville, will probably be absolutely conscious of the state of talks on the “framework settlement” with LIV, which the board should approve by the top of the yr to ensure that the controversial merger to happen.
“The gamers thank commissioner Monahan for agreeing to handle our considerations and we look ahead to being on the desk with him to make the proper selections for the way forward for the sport that all of us love,” Woods mentioned.
“He has my confidence shifting ahead with these adjustments.”
The Washington Publish reported that 41 PGA Tour gamers — together with stars McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler — despatched Monahan a letter on Monday asking Woods be added to the coverage board and the tour’s governance construction be reviewed instantly.
PGA participant Charley Hoffman mentioned Woods pushed for a spot among the many choice makers and Monahan had little alternative than to agree.
“Tiger has achieved extra for golf than arguably anyone,” Hoffman mentioned. “To have him sit in these conferences now may be very highly effective and I feel his voice will probably be listened to.”
And, he added, it is going to start rebuilding the belief between Monahan and gamers.
“It’s a begin. That is one of the best transfer we’ve made prior to now few months,” he mentioned. “It’s Tiger developing with it and I feel he needs to be a part of the PGA Tour going ahead.”
Woods, 47, has been restricted in his potential to play in recent times by extreme leg accidents suffered in a 2021 automobile crash.
Monahan mentioned having the management and voice of Woods is “welcomed and impactful” as he tries to finish the PGA-LIV deal.
“I’m dedicated to taking the mandatory steps to revive any misplaced belief or confidence that occurred because of the shock announcement of our framework settlement,” Monahan mentioned.
Scott sinks ABSURD eagle from bunker | 00:31
“Any settlement we attain have to be formed by our members’ enter and approval earned via our participant administrators.”
– ‘Acquired to maintain him busy’ –
Gamers at this week’s PGA Tour occasion in Greensboro, North Carolina, supported the transfer.
That included two-time main winner Justin Thomas, a long-time pal of Woods, who has invoked legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in backing the PGA Tour.
“It’s essential to him,” Thomas mentioned. “When Arnold and Jack handed the torch to him, that’s not one thing he takes flippantly.
“I don’t suppose there’s anyone else I might need talking on my behalf and the remainder of the fellows.”
Thomas warned, nevertheless, that it might possible take greater than Woods to appease gamers who felt betrayed by Monahan.
“You’re by no means going to make all people completely happy,” Thomas mentioned. “It’s in regards to the majority and what’s greatest for the complete PGA Tour. I’d prefer to suppose and hope the membership understands that’s what Tiger has in thoughts, particularly with him clearly not taking part in as a lot.
“We’ve acquired to maintain him busy in some way. He can’t simply sit on the sofa and do nothing.”
Monahan has been within the ropes because the announcement of the merger — he was instructed at one tense assembly he ought to resign, whereas Ernie Els not too long ago questioned how he’s “presumably nonetheless in his job — this can be a mess”.
‘Simply good’: Smith’s eagle at 18th | 01:30