Tiger Woods has admitted he is “very frustrated” by the circumstances surrounding the controversial framework agreement between the established golf tours and the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
For the first time since withdrawing from the Masters in April, the 15-time major winner made it clear that alternative investment deals remain an option for the PGA and DP World Tours.
Woods joined the PGA Tour’s policy council in August. Two months earlier he had not been informed of the news that the organization wanted to join commercial forces with the PIF, which finances the rebel LIV circuit. Documents state that the framework agreement must be completed by December 31, a deadline widely seen as hugely optimistic.
“My reaction was one of surprise, as I’m sure many of the players were too [who] were surprised by what happened,” Woods said. “So quickly, without any input or any information about it, it was just thrown out there. I was very surprised that the process was what it was. We were very frustrated by what happened and we took steps to ensure that we would not be left out of the process in this way. So part of that process was putting me on the board.
“I was frustrated by the fact that the players were never involved. This is our tour and we were all surprised by it. It happened so quickly without our intervention. Nobody knew. That shouldn’t happen again.”
Woods was less than effusive in his support of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. “He understands what happened before [announcement] cannot happen again and will not happen again,” the 47-year-old insisted. “Part of the reason I joined the board is because I had confidence in Jay and what he could do in the future and what can’t happen again.”
Woods has pressed the direction of the Tour since his appointment, adding: “I am pleased with the process and the way it has developed. Also frustrated by some of the inertia and the governance change that we would like to see happen. And December 31st is approaching very quickly, so that’s where the timeline is that we’d like to implement some of these changes that haven’t happened yet.”
The PGA Tour is known to have received overtures from private equity firms in the United States, which could theoretically acquire any Saudi deal. Woods agreed with the term “dark” to describe the future of elite golf. “We have several options,” Woods said. “But we would still like to have a deal completed by December 31. That was included in the agreement this summer and all parties understand that. But there are other options.”
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Woods believes his game is ‘rusty’ as he makes his latest comeback at this week’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Recent years have been characterized by several injury problems. The golfer’s foundation is a benefactor of the event, with Woods hosting the tournament.
“I’m excited to compete and play and I’m as curious as all of you to see what happens because I haven’t done it in a while,” Woods said. “I no longer have the pain in my ankle that I had at Augusta or before. Other parts take the brunt of it, so I have a little more pain in other places, but the ankle is fine.”
There followed an optimistic and surprising look ahead to playing in 2024. “The best scenario would be maybe one tournament a month,” he said. “I think that’s realistic. You should maybe start with the Genesis Invitational and something in March near the Players. We have a setup now, the biggest events are one per month. It sets itself up for that. I have to prepare myself for all that. I think this week is a big step in that direction.”