PGA Tour-PIF negotiations are “moving positively from both sides,” according to Jordan Spieth, even though Rory McIlroy expressed his confidence that a deal can be reached at an all-time “low.”
By stating that “things are actually moving positively from both sides,” Jordan Spieth has put an end to any speculation that the PGA Tour and PFF negotiations are breaking down.
The PGA Tour policy board includes Spieth, 30, as one of its six player directors, along with Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Adam Scott, Peter Malnati, and Webb Simpson.
Rory McIlroy, who was turned down for a return to the board earlier this month, said last week that he was at an all-time “low” in terms of his confidence in the possibility of a deal.
The 35-year-old McIlroy spoke at the US PGA about a day after the news broke. Jimmy Dunne announced his immediate resignation from the policy board of the PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) forged a covert framework agreement on June 6, 2023, with Dunne playing a key architect role.
Dunne stated in his resignation letter that he was “utterly superfluous” and that he had been shut out of negotiations because some players were still upset with him.
Prior to this week’s PGA Tour event, the Charles Schwab Challenge, the three-time major champion Spieth thinks any talk of a deal being in a “bad place” is untrue.
Spieth continues, saying that “there’s open dialog” and that “more and more information over the coming months” will be available.
This week, the New York Times reported that negotiations are still “very much alive.”
Lauren Hirsch reports that the two parties have already “exchanged terms” on a deal, despite the numerous setbacks that have included missed deadlines and high-profile resignations.
Spieth told reporters on Wednesday:
“I believe the narrative that says everything is bad and moving slowly, and some of the things that people ask me or say aren’t true. I believe that I—actually, I am aware that it is untrue. Actually, progress is being made on both fronts. In the end, I believe we’ll reach a point where professional golf may be at its peak. Both sides, I believe, think that. Even though I’m not involved in the deal-making process, I believe that there are always frustrations. From what I understand, it’s friendly, There is open communication, and things are proceeding at their current speed. And I simply know that everything else said about it is untrue. Out of all of this, I would say that I’m very optimistic. Players are beginning to take notice of that, in my opinion, as they are able to learn more and more about the subject, and in the months to come, that information will only grow.
Currently favored to win this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge is Spieth.
Scottie Scheffler is a red-hot tournament favourite.
McIlroy, who filed for divorce last week, will next tee it up at the RBC Canadian Open next week.
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