Webb Simpson, the player director for the PGA Tour, thinks it would be “very dangerous” for the US circuit to go without concluding a contract with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund in order to ensure its long-term viability.
There is still a long way to go before the best players in men’s professional golf are once again competing against each other on a regular basis. The Strategic Sports Group recently invested $3 billion in the PGA Tour, which may eventually include the PIF, subject to the required approval.
Players like Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods have indicated that the PGA Tour can manage on its own and continue to be the top men’s professional golf tour without collaborating with LIV Golf’s investors in light of the US conglomerate’s investment.
Simpson, the 2012 US Open champion, disagrees with that premise, stating that it would be “extremely dangerous” for the PGA Tour to attempt to carry on without support from the PIF.
The player director of the PGA Tour is in favor of a compromise between the two “for the good of the game,” but Simpson cautioned that it must be the correct one.
“I think we’re in a position where we want to do the right deal,” he remarked at Bay Hill, according to The Guardian and Sports Illustrated. We are worried that the LIV tour may draw in additional players, so we don’t want to quickly close a deal. That is undoubtedly a fear.
“But I believe it’s clear that we should work out a deal.” It’s written in the walls. We’re not in a position where we have to make a financial transaction. For the sake of the game, we must come to an agreement. And for the long-term viability of the PGA Tour. That’s what I’m hoping.”
Simpson at the US Open with his spouse
Webb Simpson following the 2012 US Open with his spouse
After his first round performance at the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, Simpson gave a speech. In the event’s previous seven versions, three players from LIV have won: Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, and Marc Leishman.
But Simpson pointed out that fans and other interested spectators are all aware of how much richer these historic tournaments would be if the majority of the brightest stars were teeing it up. Simpson’s list included Brooks Koepka, Joaquin Niemann, Dustin Johnson, and a host of other huge LIV names.
“One thing I’m certain of is that everyone feels strongly that the game is divided, including fans, players, the media, and sponsors,” he said. It has been divided for the past fifteen months.
“The personalities of LIV are missed in the game. I believe that the personalities of LIV and the PGA Tour playing together are missed by the game.
“What they [LIV and PIF] seek is unknown to me. What the players vying for LIV seek is unknown to me. They appear to be content where they are. I believe they’re rather pleased with the choices they’ve made. However, I’ve spoken to enough individuals who are becoming a little displeased with golf as it is right now.
“You want to know who defeated most or all of the top players when you attend major events like the Arnold Palmer Invitational.”
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