Tiger Woods leads PGA Tour to meet Saudi Arabian PIF for merger talks in New York - Reports
Tiger Woods and other PGA Tour executives are reportedly attending a meeting with leaders of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). The meeting is reportedly taking place in New York, where Woods has been taking part in the Nexus Cup for the past few days.
According to ESPN, the meeting is scheduled for several days. In addition to Tiger Woods, PGA Tour Enterprises chairman Joe Gorder and Fenway Sports Group owner John W. Henry would reportedly participate on the PGA Tour side.
According to a user on X (formerly Twitter), Tiger Woods' private jet and planes from the PGA Tour and Saudi oil company Aramco were en route to the New York area as of Monday, September 9.
The PGA Tour and the PIF have been negotiating a deal since 2023 to end the controversy that arose with the creation of LIV Golf, a league financially backed by the PIF. On June 6, 2023, both entities announced the adoption of a framework agreement that has since been central to negotiations.
The original intention was to reach an agreement by December 31, 2023, but the deadline was extended after the parties failed to reach a definitive agreement. To date, there is no certainty as to when a definitive agreement will be reached.
Why was Tiger Woods in New York?
Tiger Woods was in New York for several days prior to the PIF meeting because he was hosting the inaugural Nexus Cup. This is a charity golf event to benefit the TGR Foundation.
The event was held at Liberty National Golf Club, the same club that hosted the 2017 Presidents Cup and has hosted the LPGA Tour's Mizuho Americas Open for two consecutive seasons.
The Nexus Cup was a two-day team event. The teams were made up of amateur players and included a total of 16 players, with "Craig's Team" winning the title in the inaugural edition.
However, all participating players received exclusive, personalized team gear, including a personalized tour bag, head cover and tournament gear, as well as meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with Woods.
The prize for the winning team was a dinner with Woods. They also received putting lessons from the 15-time Major champion and Henrik Stenson, one of the pros who came to support the event.
Woods, Stenson, Will Zalatoris and Keegan Bradley were present at various holes on the course and even took some shots for different teams. They also gave advice to the amateurs.
Former New York Giants stars Lawrence Taylor and Michael Strahan were among the amateurs competing in the Nexus Cup. The event also included an auction and a Q&A session with Woods hosted by Jimmy Fallon.