Frustrated PGA Tour stars launch petition as pressure grows ahead of LIV Golf merger

The PGA Tour are still in talks with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia to end their dispute with LIV Golf, but frustration from within is growing amongst players

A group of PGA Tour players have launched a petition in an attempt to arrange a meeting with the circuit’s leadership team, as frustration within the roster continues to grow.

First reported by No Laying Up, a group of anonymous players have demanded that a meeting is held to discuss the Tour’s recent infrastructure changes amid the threat of LIV Golf. Over the past year, commissioner Jay Monahan rolled out changes to the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup standings, prize pots and bonus payments.

The switch-up came following the emergence of the LIV setup, who were beginning to lure in a whole host of Tour players with lucrative signing fees and mega-money tournament purses.

However, it seems that a lot of players are unhappy with how the American-based circuit has altered its operations after a year. The letter of petition stated: “Dear membership in the PGA Tour, We would like to call a special meeting to discuss matters pertaining to the following, among other things:

1. Signature events receive more FedEx Cup points than full field events. As an illustration, fifth place in a 78-player field without a cut currently earns 272 percent more points than fifth place in a traditional event with a cut. Before the first scheduled event, we are asking for a sizable reduction.
2. The quantity of events with limited field signatures. The PIP Program 3. 4. The player directors, policy board, and leadership of the PGA Tour. Please sign this petition if you would like to attend this meeting.” Earlier this week, as pressure mounted on Monahan, the commissioner issued a resolute defense.

Following his announcement earlier this summer that the Tour had entered unexpected peace negotiations with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia regarding a potential “merger” with their LIV rivals—a move that was made without consulting any of his playing members—the Tour boss faced intense criticism. Although several players had demanded that Monahan resign from his position, it seems he is here to stay as long as talks with PIF continue.

“At the New York Times DealBook Summit, he stated, “people have made far more consequential decisions than the one that I’ve made and ultimately, the one that we’re going to make.” You need to have a long-term perspective and a deep-seated conviction that the choice you’re making is the right one.

“And you need to be prepared to accept all of the criticism, which will come in greater amounts as it has already happened.” The suggested framework agreement with the Saudis has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, and there have been rumors that the deal will not be finalized by the deadline of December 31.

With the deadline drawing near, Monahan provided a crucial update, stating that he will be meeting with PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan. The commissioner stated, “As you know, we have a firm target for our conversations with PIF by the deadline.” “Next week, I’ll be with Yasir. And our discussions keep progressing. We’re also pushing to consider a wide range of other interested parties, which I believe is fairly well known.