There is finally something to report on in regards to a PGA and PIF merger deal. As previously reported, the two sides made a handshake agreement with intention of laying out a plan for a potential merger until both parties went completely dark for several months.
The two entities agreed to postpone the deadline for a framework agreement to The Masters in hopes of working out a deal. Now, there is finally something to focus on as PGA commissioner Jay Monahan flew to Saudi Arabia to meet with PIF's Yasir Al-Rumayyan in what could be the beginning of a deal to end the PGA-LIV war of the last 24 months.
About Damn Time
There was no word for several months on a possible merger deal. Then, just days prior to the original deadline, the two sides decided to postpone to a later date. The move felt like it came out of left field, but the two sides finally provided some type of public update.
The real problem, however, is that was three weeks ago. Everything went silent until now. The two sides are finally getting together on the idea they've continued to push off.
What's most surprising is that Monahan made the trip for these discussions, given his stubbornness in general in the past. But, Monahan knows he is on a short leash with the players of the PGA Tour. If he wants to remain part of the tour following a merger, he really needs to step up and lead. Personally, I think its in the PGA Tour's best interest to part ways with Monahan following a merger and have someone else take over the new entity moving forward.
What's On Tap Next?
Hopefully this is a step in the right direction and there is actually a framework for the possible merger hammered out as a result of this meeting. The PGA season is now underway and the LIV Tour kicks off their season in a few weeks.
The deadline has been set for The Masters and both sides seem to agree that its important that a framework agreement and merger be set by then. From here, fans and players alike need to cross their fingers that the meeting results in a framework and a new for-profit entity is formed between Monahan and Al-Rumayyan in the coming months.
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