Golf great Tiger Woods is reportedly taking part in planned talks between the PGA Tour and reps from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in New York this week.
ESPN reported the talks were taking place over multiple days as the two sides attempted to hammer out a deal that would see the PIF invest more than $1 billion into PGA Tour Enterprise and could end the longstanding war between the Tour and LIV Golf.
The PIF has financed the rebel golf league since its launch three years ago and started a division inside the sport.
Woods, along with golfer Adam Scott, PGA Tour Enterprises chairman Joe Gorder and Fenway Sports Group owner John W. Henry, have been negotiating with the PIF over an agreement.
The PGA Tour and PIF made the shocking announcement on June 6, 2023 that they signed a framework agreement that would bring the sides together.
However, a deadline to reach an agreement expired on Dec. 31, and the sides have continued to try to work on a deal.
The talks between the sides in New York have drawn criticism from 9/11 Justice, a group that has accused the Saudi government of supporting terrorists and took umbrage with the fact the meetings are taking place near the anniversary of the attacks.
“Tomorrow, we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, yet here we are today, in New York City, down the street from Ground Zero, and the PGA Tour and Tiger Woods are negotiating with them,” president of 9/11 Justice Brett Eagleson said in a statement to ESPN. “As has been confirmed in the last few weeks by CBS reporting, the Saudi Arabian government played a role in the horrific attacks of 9/11.
“It is disgusting, unacceptable, and incredibly painful that the Tour and Woods would do this — especially now.”
