“Wish we had something more concrete”: Tiger Woods gives heartbreaking verdict on PGA-PIF negotiations
Tiger Woods held a press conference this Tuesday (Dec. 3), from the site of the 2025 Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas. Woods spoke on a number of topics relevant to global golf, including the negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Sports Illustrated's Bob Harig reported that Woods acknowledged that it has taken longer than expected to reach a final agreement. Harig reported this on his X account:
"Tiger admitted he thought negotiations with the PIF would have happened faster. Noted the DOJ [Department Of Justice] concerns being part of it regardless. 'Wish we had something more concrete than we have right now.'"
Golf Monthly reported that Tiger Woods described the negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF as "fluid," "constructive" and "happening every day." The report also reflected Woods' concern about the role of the DOJ after a final agreement is reached.
The negotiations between the PGA Tour and the PIF were made public on June 6, 2023. A few days later, the U.S. Senate Sub-committee on Investigations launched an investigation into the process, citing concerns about human rights in Saudi Arabia, among other issues.
Meanwhile, the Hero World Challenge will be held from December 5-8 at the Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas. It is an unofficial tournament on the PGA Tour calendar, hosted by Tiger Woods.
Tiger Woods on his 2025 schedule: "I truly don't know"
Another topic discussed by Tiger Woods during his press conference was his health and future competitive plans. In this regard, the 15-time Major champion said he cannot yet provide details on what his year 2025 will look like as far as his participation in tournaments is concerned.
This was part of what Woods said (via Golf Monthly):
"I truly don't know...I am disappointed. I'm not physically ready yet to compete at this level. I still need to keep training to give myself the best chance into next year and the events ahead."
This was the same reason why Woods did not take a place in the Hero World Challenge field. According to him, he is not yet at the level required to compete with some of the best players in the world, and even said he was not "tournament sharp".
Woods made his most recent return to competitive golf at the 2023 Hero World Challenge after recovering from foot injuries. He then played in the PNC Championship ahead of the 2024 PGA Tour season.
Woods began his competitive year at the Genesis Invitational in February. He followed it up with the Masters Tournament in April, the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June and the Open Championship in July.
In September, he underwent back surgery, from which he is currently recovering. On this issue, Woods said he feels "fantastic" that he no longer feels spasms or pain in his back.