A plan is in place for Rory McIlroy to rejoin the PGA Tour board, pending board approval, in a move aimed at potentially advancing negotiations with the Saudi financial backers of LIV Golf. McIlroy had resigned from the board in November, citing time and energy constraints amidst the PGA Tour's discussions with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. However, the deal with PIF did not materialize, leading to the PGA Tour bringing on Strategic Sports Group as a minority investor in a deal valued at up to $3 billion.
Webb Simpson, a player director on both the PGA Tour board and PGA Tour Enterprises board, has expressed a desire to step down as a player director, contingent on McIlroy taking his place. The board is set to deliberate on Simpson's request soon. Currently, the board lacks a European player among its members.
McIlroy's resignation necessitated the election of a player to serve out the term through 2024, with Jordan Spieth being chosen by the other player directors. Disagreements have arisen between some players and McIlroy over his shifting stance on LIV Golf and his proposal for LIV players to return to the PGA Tour without repercussions.
McIlroy's potential return to the board aligns with his affiliation with the Fenway Group, part of the SSG consortium. Reports indicate a positive relationship between McIlroy and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the PIF governor, who met with player directors in the Bahamas recently.
Despite rumors of a lucrative offer from LIV, McIlroy reaffirmed his commitment to the PGA Tour. The challenge remains in unifying the game, with key players like Rahm, Koepka, DeChambeau, and Johnson having signed substantial bonuses contributing to the division.
SSG's $1.5 billion investment introduces an equity ownership program benefiting select players based on performance metrics. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan outlined the distribution of $750 million in equity among 36 players, with details to be disclosed this week.
McIlroy's potential return to the PGA Tour board signals a pivotal moment in ongoing negotiations and efforts to unite the golfing community amidst evolving dynamics and financial interests.
