Details of Tiger Woods’ private meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan have emerged, with the two speaking on multiple topics from the future of golf to how PIF can benefit the PGA Tour
Some details have emerged from Tiger Woods ‘ meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and backer of LIV Golf, at his home in the Bahamas.
Webb Simpson explained to Sports Illustrated just how the meeting between the golf legend and Al-Rumayyan went earlier this week, with Woods being “very engaged” with what was said.
Simpson also added that Woods acted like the “leader,” with the future of golf also discussed. It was also reported that Woods and Al-Rumayyan played golf on the Albany course near where the Hero World Challenge is held.
Despite Woods and Al-Rumayyan’s meeting, it appears as if the two sides are not any closer to an agreement that would formally join the two rival sides. Still, Simpson said the meeting was more exploratory and to explain the PIF’s potential involvement with the PGA Tour, if an agreement were to be finalized.
“What I was interested in going there was to learn more about who he is and what he’s thinking,” Simpson explained. “Learn about LIV more. What was your intention and hope there? How’s it going? All that kind of stuff. A meet and greet and learn. i think he wanted to learn from us kind of what we think. We wanted to figure out what he thinks.”
Along with Woods and Simpson, Peter Malnati, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay and Joe Ogilvie were present in the meeting. Jay Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner and a handful of members of the Strategic Sports Group were also present.
The details of Tiger Woods’ meeting with LIV Golf have been revealed
Regarding the future of golf, Simpson added that while the meeting did not delve into the specifics, the American did explain that Al-Rumayyan “envisions a place” in golf somehow. “We didn’t get as far as what he wants and what does LIV want,” Simpson continued.
“He certainly seems engaged enough in the game already that he has desires to see the game grow globally, I think it’s fair to say. And he mentioned growing it in Saudi to try and do that.”
Malnati added that while he “enjoyed and appreciated” seeing Al-Rumayyan in a new light, especially considering what the Saudi Arabian businessman has accomplished, the American added that he ultimately wants to see “all the best players together” again at some point in the future.
“I still certainly think a path forward for professional golf makes more sense with him on our side than him as an antagonist,” Malnati told Sports Illustrated. “But there’s a lot of work to do to … seeing the same vision for the future of professional golf. There is space between his and ours.”
While the two sides continue to work toward a deal to join the two competing circuits together, it remains to be seen just how effective Woods’ meeting with Al-Rumayyan will be. For now, Woods will continue to prepare for the Masters as he looks to return to competitive golf.
