Leaked: LIV chairman's email to breakaway tour pros after $3bn PGA Tour-SSG deal
LIV Golf chairman Yasir Al-Rummayan has told breakaway tour players it's full steam ahead after the PGA Tour announced a $3bn deal with SSG.
LIV Golf chairman and powerful Saudi businessman Yasir Al-Rumayyan has delivered a similar message to Greg Norman after the PGA Tour announced a $3bn deal with Strategic Sports Group.
The historic deal between the PGA Tour and SSG, a group of US-based investors led by the owners of Liverpool FC, will see the players have more power than ever before.
Patrick Cantlay has rejected the notion the deal is simply a means for PGA Tour stars who rejected LIV to pocket a boat load of cash.
"I don't think that's fair," the policy board member said, insisting the agreement brings the North American circuit "into the future" that will enrich the experience for "long-suffering" golf fans.
In case you weren't aware, the deal saw the official launch of PGA Tour Enterprises, which will run in parallel with the non-profit, tax-exempt PGA Tour.
LIV's financiers, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, will reportedly have the option to come on board as minority investors in the future.
Doubts have already been cast if that will or could ever happen given the US government scrutiny it will attract.
PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan insisted talks with the PIF remain ongoing. And the aforementioned Al-Rumayyan also didn't seem bothered.
In a letter addressed to LIV players - obtained by SI's Bob Harig - he said the PGA Tour-SSG deal was consistent with PIF's "longstanding passion to grow the game".
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He wrote: "PIF continues to discuss and evaluate the possibility of a future investment that benefits the greater game of golf.
"PIF remains committed to investing in and supporting LIV and the team golf format that has brought new energy and so many new fans to the game around the world.
"The game of golf is only beginning to fulfil its potential. This is the vision we had when LIV was created, and today that is more alive than ever."
Al-Rumayyan's message was similar to that of their chief executive Norman.
Norman sent a defiant message to the breakaway tour players before their first event of 2024 in Mayakoba, Mexico.
"Let me make one thing very clear," Norman wrote. "Nothing announced by other tours or investment groups changes LIV Golf's positive trajectory or future plans".
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