Tiger Woods praises SSG for "believing" in golf and the PGA Tour

Golf legend Tiger Woods has lauded the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) while on a conference call with the American investors and PGA Tour members, according to GOLF.com.

Woods, 48, was speaking on a call yesterday after SSG and PGA Tour put pen to paper on a $3 billion private investment. 

The deal, which was confirmed by the PGA Tour on 31 January, will see an initial contribution of $1.5 billion from SSG - led by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group.

SSG has also helped to fund the launch of PGA Tour Enterprises, a new commercial venture for the PGA Tour will give "close to 200 members" an opportunity to become equity holders in the circuit.

It is also understood the agreement between SSG and the PGA Tour will still allow for "co-investment" from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the future.

Talks between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF are said to remain headed in the right direction, albeit the deadline has been extended from 31 December 2023 to just before The Masters. 

Try telling Jordan Spieth, though. 

Per GOLF.com, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan spoke on a conference call for 10 minutes before handing the floor to those at SSG, including the principal of Fenway Sports Group, John Henry. 

Woods then shared his screen, and was full of praise for SSG and their support of not just the PGA Tour but golf at large. 

"Hey everyone, this is Tiger Woods," began the 15-time major champion. 

"Just wanted to say thank you, SSG, for believing in us and believing in our sport. Believing in the potential growth that we could enjoy together. Golf is an amazing sport. It has allowed communities to heal and grow. And we, as a team, are going to offer that according to what we believe is the true compensation and meritocracy that our sport has been built upon for all these years.

"As has been described earlier, as the Tour grows, we grow. So the more we invest into the Tour, the more we get the benefits of it. Which has never been — it’s never happened in sports history. So we’re the first. Exciting for me to be able to be part of that."

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman issued a defiant memo to his players on the Saud-backed circuit in light of hearing the PGA Tour's news. 

Woods will make his competitive return to the PGA Tour at the Genesis Open in two weeks time at famed Riviera. 

It is understood Woods will unveil his new golf clothing line at the start of that week. 

What do you make of the PGA Tour's new deal with SSG? Will the PIF still get involved with the PGA Tour, or has that ship sailed now? Do you want to see the Tours come together, or are you happy with the current pro golf landscape? Share your thoughts and comments over on the GolfMagic social media channels. 

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