Billy Horschel addresses the effect of ongoing PGA-PIF rift in golf on fans

American golfer Billy Horschel opened up about the prolonged delay of the deal between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan first announced the merger with the PIF in June 2023, but the deal has since been repeatedly delayed, as officials of both organizations are still in talks about the negotiations.

Billy Horschel recently shared his thoughts on the deal and how it has impacted fans over time. While preparing for this week's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the 37-year-old addressed the media, discussing the ongoing rift between the PGA Tour and the PIF and its effects on the golf fan. He said (as quoted by NUCLR Golf):

"But I do believe now looking at the game of golf, which I could never imagine at that point sitting there and speaking how I spoke, that the divide that we've created in the game of golf would create such a disinterest in the fans. And that's really who has sort of been hurt by all this.”

The PGA Tour and PIF deal has been in talks for a while now. Rory McIlroy recently suggested that the deal might be finalized by the end of this year. He said (via BBC):

"Maybe it’s going too slow for the people that follow golf. In the business world, deals of this size take time. You are talking about billions of dollars changing hands, different jurisdictions. I think we’ll know a lot more by year’s end. We’re in October so hopefully [there's] three months to get something done."

Amid these ongoing discussions, both LIV golfers and PGA Tour players are set to compete in this week's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Additionally, PIF Governor Yasir Al Rumayyan and PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will be participating in the event. Horschel will play alongside Monahan, while Al Rumayyan will team up with Dean Burmester.

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Billy Horschel says he has "no issue" with LIV Golf

Billy Horschel has been a strong supporter of the PGA Tour amid its battle with LIV Golf. In 2022, the American golfer opened up about players who joined LIV Golf, saying (via Golf Monthly):

"Just coming to play the big events on DP World Tour, yeah, that helps. But that's not supporting the Tour. Those guys made their bed. They say that's what they want to do. So just leave us alone. Honestly."

However, two years later in 2024, during a press conference for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Billy Horschel was reminded of his previous comments on the Saudi circuit while also being asked about his current stance.

Speaking about the Saudi league, Horschel said (via Golf Monthly):

"Well, if I'm correct on what I said, they did make their bed and they made a decision that rewarded them financially, and their families. They went against our rules that we have on the PGA Tour, and they went against the rules that are set on the DP World Tour."

“But I also felt the same time as I said, I have no issue with LIV. I have no issues with the Saudis. I think competition is a great forum to better a person, better a company, to improve, and I've always said the PGA Tour would - I would always bet on the PGA Tour to win out," he added.

Notably, Billy Horschel will tee off this Thursday, October 3, in a group with PIF Governor Yasir Al Rumayyan at the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. For the first round of the event, Horschel and Monahan will tee off alongside Al Rumayyan and Dean Burmester, starting their game at 9:00 a.m. local time.