Golf fans furiously debate wild PGA Tour-PIF report: "I'm calling BS on this"

Golf fans are furiously debating whether lightning has struck between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf's Saudi backers. 

The Sun newspaper are reporting that the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund are on the brink of announcing a deal worth £1bn. 

If such a deal were to be ratified it would end the hostilities in the elite men's game that began with LIV's noisy introduction into the sport in 2022. 

The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF announced last June they indented to try and combine commercial interests with the rollout of the 'framework agreement'. 

Those involved in the talks have remained tight-lipped over what has been discussed. 

And there were even reports high-profile players such as Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay were rallying against a deal with the PIF. 

It is also understood there are some LIV players that do not want a deal. 

There was speculation the agreement was dead in the water after the for-profit PGA Tour Enterprises announced a cash injection of more than $1bn by the Strategic Sports Group at the turn of the year. 

Yet the powers that be insisted the deal was very much still on the table, despite scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice. 

World No.3 Rory McIlroy, who has been an advocate for striking a deal since the aforementioned framework agreement was announced, suggested before the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth that there was a possibility the DP World Tour could end their ties with the PGA Tour and partner with PIF. 

The Sun report that the Saudi PIF would take an 11 per cent stake in the North American circuit, as well as having the position of chairman. 

Naturally, the report sparked a huge debate online, with some claiming that the report is cobblers. 

Here's some reaction:

"The Sun is like the National Enquirer. Wouldn't believe it if they said the sky was blue."

"If it happens, and I have my doubts, LIV for $1.3bil may get 11 per cent, but what are they really getting? Private stock, no controlling interest, they get two minority board seats. Sounds like a desperate measure because they know they've failed miserably. No LIV future."

"If true it is about time! I want to see my favourite players back on the PGA Tour events. I also appreciate the innovations LIV is bringing to the game! Good news for all parties."

"Why create LIV as a rival to the PGAT only to go back under the PGA Tour? Would LIV golfers get to play in PGA Tour events without qualifying? Would LIV get OWGR points without changing their current format?"

 

 

"Great news. A LIV vs. Tour rivalry under the same league will be great for the game."

 

"That's very sad to hear. Filthy Saudis."

 

"I'm calling BS on this."

 

"If it was any other publication it would have some substance but the Sun is the worst of the worst for news over in the UK

 

"In the end the Tour needs the PIF cash and the LIV players."

 

"Good if true."

 

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