Ahead of a pivotal gathering featuring PGA Tour player directors and the head of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), Yasir al-Rumayyan, Rory McIlroy criticised Greg Norman and the executives of LIV Golf. He claims they have done a great disservice to al-Rumayyan.
Tiger Woods is scheduled to attend the meeting on Monday, marking the first opportunity for the PGA Tour player-directors to converse with al-Rumayyan. This could significantly influence Woods’ position on the Ryder Cup captaincy. The PGA of America is eager to secure their captain for the 2025 match against Europe at Bethpage before the Masters next month.
It is widely accepted that Woods would fulfil the United States role, should he choose to accept. Despite the 15-time major champion not expressing a firm commitment as of yet, it has been speculated that Woods had set his sights on 2027 and Adare Manor. Interestingly, there is the potential for him to captain back-to-back Ryder Cups. If Woods chooses not to contend for the Bethpage captaincy, Stewart Cink will be seen as the front runner to lead the US team.
A lot of Woods’ free time is consumed by tasks on the PGA Tour’s policy board. Despite the PGA Tour recently finalising a $1.5bn agreement with the Strategic Sports Group, the PIF continues to stay sidelined. The PIF, a key investor in LIV Golf, and the PGA Tour must resolve their differences for the betterment of the global golf community. In the meantime, the US Department of Justice maintains a keen oversight of golf’s progress. Al-Rumayyan plans to utilise the meeting to explain the PIF’s intended cooperation with the PGA Tour to board members.
McIlroy expressed his views on the situation. “I believe this should have happened months ago, so I am pleased that it’s finally taking place,” said McIlroy. “I am hopeful that it will move the discussion forward and bring us nearer to a resolution.”
In his critique of LIV Golf, McIlroy suggested a strong disconnect between the PIF and LIV Golf. He believes that with closer collaboration between al-Rumayyan, the PIF and a completed investment, beneficial outcomes could be attained.
McIlroy conveyed that Rumayyan genuinely “wishes to act honourably.” In this setting, Wood’s stance is notably intriguing. Norman, the commissioner of LIV, and the rebel tour itself, holds limited appeal for him. Additionally, Woods has expressed uncertainty over the necessity for the PGA Tour to form ties with Saudi Arabia following the investment from SSG. Therefore, Rumayyan is faced with a significant task of persuasion. If Woods is swayed to believe a beneficial agreement can be established in conjunction with the PIF, it is privately held that he may commit further to a position in the Ryder Cup.
Concerning his potential interest in Bethpage in 2025, Woods stated: “At present, the importance attached to our tour is too great to contemplate a Ryder Cup. We need to prioritise completing this [deal] and maintaining a laser focus on it. The understanding amongst players and all parties is that our undivided attention should be on this issue.”
Patrick Cantlay, also a player-director, chose to be more reserved when commenting on the possible outcomes of Monday. The 50th Players Championship proceeded in the absence of two present major champions – Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm due to the PGA Tour’s policy of not permitting LIV golfers to participate in their events. The majority view that such a stance is damaging to golf is widely held. Nevertheless, there are numerous individuals within the PGA Tour who hold the belief that those who have accepted deals from LIV should not be given an easy passage back to their prior positions. “I have little expectation of engaging in any meaningful discussion during our first encounter,” revealed Cantlay. “I don’t foresee anything of significance, rather a simple acquaintance meeting.” – Guardian