Jordan Spieth provides blunt response to reporter over future PGA Tour-LIV deal
Multiple major champion Jordan Spieth appeared to cast doubt LIV Golf's primary backers will be involved in PGA Tour Enterprises in the future.
Jordan Spieth was understandably in a buoyant mood ahead of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
That was largely down to the fact he is one of the PGA Tour stars that stands to benefit from a $3bn private equity deal with Strategic Sports Group.
Spieth, a PGA Tour policy board member, has spent the last few months hashing out the finer details of the deal on behalf of the membership.
The agreement will see PGA Tour members receive $1.5bn in immediate and future equity.
Spieth, alongside player directors Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati, Adam Scott and Webb Simpson voted unanimously for the deal.
The agreement appeared to raise more questions than answers.
Specifically, what does this mean for the Tour's framework agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund?
The PIF is the $700bn treasure trove that is financing the LIV Golf League and is not involved yet.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan stated the door remains open for the PIF to invest down the line "subject to regulatory agreements".
But Spieth's latest comments cast doubt on that. The aforementioned Simpson also stated during discussions the PIF was 'not a priority'.
As far as Spieth is concerned, the best part of the deal, was the fact the players are now part-owners.
Asked by a reporter how important the PIF are, he said: "I think it just depends."
Spieth said he didn't think the PIF's investment was needed. "The short answer is we don't have to [bring them on board]," he said.
Clearly choosing his words carefully, he added: "At this point if the PIF were interested in coming in on terms that our members like and/or the economic terms aren't beyond SSG's and they feel it would be a good idea, I think that's where the discussions will start."
Are we to assume, then, that a deal with the PIF isn't remotely close? It seems that way.
Spieth's words are likely to raise the eyebrows of World No.2 Rory McIlroy. McIlroy was once part of the PGA Tour's policy board.
Indeed, after meeting with LIV governor in private in December 2022, the Northern Irishman implored PGA Tour officials to reach out to the other side.
McIlroy resigned his role late last year, citing a desire to just concentrate on strictly playing golf again.
But it was clear that McIlroy did not wield enough power. "I just felt like I was banging my head against a wall," McIlroy said earlier in the week.
McIlroy went on to explain he hoped the SSG deal was just the beginning. He hopes the PIF are involved in the future.
Asked about McIlroy's comments, Spieth said: "That's Rory's viewpoint.
"I could name some guys with the same viewpoint, I could name some guys with a totally opposite viewpoint.
"So it's certainly mixed on how players feel about that."
Watch:
Why does the PGA Tour still need a PIF deal? Jordan Spieth says they don’t.
“I think the short answer is we don’t have to, and the long answer is, the positive there is unification … but I’m not sure if or how or when it would get done.”
Doesn’t sound like a deal is close. pic.twitter.com/VXVGkAyAD9
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) January 31, 2024
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