The latest in PGA Tour-PIF talks? Here’s what Jay Monahan had to say

Not much.

On Wednesday, how PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahangave his annual end-of-season press conference in Championship tournament from Atlanta, he touched on numerous topics including the future of the PGA Tour schedule, the new paths being tapped to join the PGA Tour, the Tour’s new PGA Tour Studios and the future of golf on TV.

But one topic Monahan gave little clarity on, despite being asked four questions on the matter, was the status of negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

“We are at the table and we are actively engaged with the Public Investment Fund,” Monahan said in his opening statement, echoing earlier reluctance to directly update the talks. “We remain hopeful for this result. But at the same time, we’re moving forward quickly and we’re focused on what we can control, because that’s what we owe to our fans.”

The PGA Tour and PIF, the parent of PGA Tour rival LIV Golf, initially reached a framework agreement last June to merge their commercial golf operations, shocking the golf world after nearly two years of conflict between the two leagues. That framework agreement had a deadline of December 31, 2023, but that deadline came and went without a full agreement and without one in plain sight.

In January, The PGA Tour accepted a massive investment from a consortium of sports owners known as the Strategic Sports Groupbut went on to say that talks with PIF were ongoing and remained adamant that the goal was to reach an agreement.

On Wednesday, Monahan claimed the Tour was in “regular dialogue” with the PIF, but did not go into detail about what that meant. He also claimed that the priority to reach an agreement on both sides “has increased”.

“This is a direct result of dialogue and conversation and really starting to talk about the future, the vision of the future product and where we can take our sport,” he said. “I think when you engage in productive conversations, it increases the likelihood of positive outcomes, and it increases the spirit of those conversations.”

So far, Monahan said there is no deadline for reaching a deal or removing the framework entirely.

“I don’t think we want to limit ourselves that way. We want to achieve the best and right result at the right time.”

Monahan has been tight-lipped about the details of the negotiations for months, saying the Tour will not “negotiate details in public”.

He reiterated that stance on Wednesday.

“These conversations are complex. They will take time. They have taken time and will continue to take time,” he said. “As I sit here today, I think the most important thing for us and our obligations to our fans, our players and our partners is to focus on what we control, which we’re doing, as I’ve pointed out, and continue to maintain it. this moment forward.

“But I’m not going to negotiate details in public or reveal details or specifics. All I can say is that the conversations are ongoing and they are productive.”

Jack Hirsch

Editor of Golf.com

Jack Hirsh is an assistant editor at GOLF. A native of Pennsylvania, Jack is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, earning degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. He was captain of his high school golf team and recently returned to the program to serve as head coach. Jack also *tries* to remain competitive in the local amateurs. Prior to joining GOLF, Jack spent two years working at a television station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a multimedia journalist/reporter, but also producing, anchoring and even presenting the weather. He can be reached at jack.hirsh@golf.com.