Jay Monahan gives update on "accelerating" PIF merger negotiations

The PGA Tour commissioner made a rare public statement, confirming that the ongoing PIF and PGA Tour merger is still moving ahead.

Johnny Percival

12 Mar 2024

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has confirmed that merger negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund are still moving ahead, and conversations have been held to accelerate the process.

Speaking to the media ahead of this week's 50th anniversary Players Championship, Monahan faced a barrage of questions about the PIF and the PGA Tour.

Discussing the ongoing merger between the two organisations, Monahan insisted that while the conversations are being held, the details must remain confidential for the time being.

Monahan did, however, confirm that he had travelled to Saudi Arabia in January to meet with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the PIF to speed up proceedings.

Monahan cut a frustrated figure but did indulge the media with some small details.

He said:

“As I’ve said on a number of occasions, you can’t negotiate a deal like this in public. I recently met with the governor of the PIF, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and our negotiations are accelerating as we spend time together.

“While we have several key issues that we still need to work through, we have a shared vision to quiet the noise and unlock golf’s worldwide potential.

“It’s going to take time, but I reiterate what I said at the Tour Championship in August. I see a positive outcome for the PGA Tour and the sport as a whole. Most importantly, I see a positive outcome for our great fans.”

When questioned about a potential return to PGA Tour action for LIV golfers, Monahan once again thanked journalists for their interest but refrained from divulging any details about the situation.

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