"Get a deal done already", "Gonna secure the bag" - Fans react as Tiger Woods, PGA Tour announce meeting with Saudi PIF

The PGA Tour vs LIV Golf rivalry has been a constant affair for the past three years. In a new development, it was reported by ESPN that the PGA Tour officials and 15-time Major champion Tiger Woods will be meeting Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) representatives in New York on Tuesday, September 10. The news has received mixed reactions from fans.

The meeting is possibly to come up with a deal to receive financial backing of more than $1 billion into the PGA Tour Enterprises. The round of meetings are expected to be scheduled over multiple days.

The possibility of a 'Framework Agreement' being drawn between the two tours has often raised hope of co-existence. However, the agreement has been in discussion for several months but nothing concrete has come out of it. LIV Golf is financed by PIF and is known for the exorbitant expenses made in signing amounts and cash prizes.

In January this year, the PGA Tour received a staggering sponsorship of $1.5 billion from the Strategic Sports Group. The two entities launched the PGA Tour Enterprises, a for-profit venture.

ESPN's news has received mixed reactions from golf fans across the world. Some are exhausted from the inconclusive talks and want a solid conclusion.

"Just get a deal done already. I think all golf fans are ready to see the best players in the world all competing against each other in more events," a fan wrote.

"Wake me up when the deal is done," one chimed in.

"For the 7th time", another quipped.

Tiger Woods has been a staunch supporter of the PGA Tour ever since the inception of LIV Golf. He is also on the policy board regarding the 'Framework Agreement'. The 48-year-old is one of the most successful players the sport has seen but has been inactive for quite some time. His presence in the meeting has drawn mixed remarks.

"Tiger Woods somehow gonna secure the bag," a fan wrote.

"Tiger is there to make sure his wire transfer goes through before everyone else gets paid," one remarked.

"Tiger being involved is a joke, he is irrelevant now, he has his legacy and that isn't changing. Money and power maybe ?" another criticised.

Most of the brickbats thrown LIV Golf's way were due to the funding it received from PIF since Saudi Arabia has been embroiled in serious humanitarian issues for several years. Fans are now deeming this new round of talks on the monetary advantages of the deal.

"Are they bending the knee? The business play by LIV might end up being masterful." one said.

"PGA sold to LIV for 1 Trillion dollars" another added.

"Money talks" one fan wrote.

"It’s not a matter of if, but when. The PGA can’t compete against a bottomless money pit." another shared.

Along with Tiger Woods and Australian golfer Adam Scott, PGA Tour Enterprises chairman Joe Gorder and Fenway Sports Group owner John W. Henry are also a part of the transactional subcommittee that is negotiating with the Saudis. Whether this new round of meetings is fruitful or not can only be learned later. But one thing for certain is that if a new deal does arrive, it would impact golf and the players' careers heavily.

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9/11 Justice Group criticizes the meeting between the PGA Tour and PIF representatives

Tiger Woods (Source: Imagn)

Tiger Woods and PGA Tour officials are set to meet PIF representatives in New York on Tuesday, just a day before the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks that happened in New York in 2001. PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of the Saudi Arabian government.

The 9/11 Justice Group, consisting of survivors, first responders, and family members of those who lost their lives in the attacks, has accused the Saudi Arabian government of aiding terrorists. Thus, the time and place for the discussions between the PGA Tour and PIF representatives have left a bad taste. Fans on social media have shared similar sentiments regarding the logistics.

According to ESPN, 9/11 Justice president Brett Eagleson has released a statement saying:

"Tomorrow, we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, yet here we are today, in New York City, down the street from Ground Zero, and the PGA Tour and Tiger Woods are negotiating with them. As has been confirmed in the last few weeks by CBS reporting, the Saudi Arabian government played a role in the horrific attacks of 9/11. It is disgusting, unacceptable, and incredibly painful that the Tour and Woods would do this -- especially now."

The potential deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf or PIF was supposed to be ironed out by December 31 last year. The date has long expired but there hasn't been much progress.