Why Having Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour Board Is the Coolest Thing for Golf Right Now

 

Let me tell you why having Tiger Woods join the PGA Tour Policy Board as a Player Director is a game-changer in the ongoing battle (or not) between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) led by Yasir Al-Rumayyan. There are solid reasons, both financial and diplomatic, why Woods' involvement can make a significant difference.

So, here's the deal. Amidst all the criticism and complaints about the PIF, people tend to overlook the fact that Al-Rumayyan isn't just the chairman of PIF; he's also the chairman of Saudi Aramco, the massive state-owned oil company of Saudi Arabia, which happens to be the world's largest oil producer. This association with Saudi Aramco goes back to 1933 when they partnered with Standard Oil of California, and it has complex connections with various U.S. oil companies, which is why the U.S. maintains a diplomatic relationship with Saudi Arabia.

In simple terms, Al-Rumayyan is a major player, not just in Saudi Arabia but in the global business arena. Now, PIF was established in 1971 by King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to fund projects vital to the country's economy and well-being. While PIF is a part of Saudi Arabia's overall wealth, it holds significant stakes in various major U.S. companies, including Live Nation, Boeing, Facebook (now Meta), Citigroup, Uber, Disney, and Bank of America. On the other hand, the PGA Tour deals in millions, while PIF and Aramco deal in billions.

But hey, the PGA Tour brings its own weight to the table. It's all about prestige, tournaments, personalities, and in the golf world, no name shines brighter than Tiger Woods. He's been the face of golf for the last several decades, and his influence on fans and sponsors is unparalleled. Now, having Woods on the negotiating side, facing off against someone as influential as the chairman of Aramco, makes for a powerful matchup.

Picture this: if Woods isn't happy with a deal, a part of it, or even a single sentence, you can bet it's going to be reworked until he gives the nod. And guess what? He's not just representing himself; he's speaking for hundreds of professional golfers across multiple tours. It's not just "I" anymore; it's "WE" - the collective voice of the golfers.

The best part? Woods doesn't desperately need more money; he's already living a good life thanks to his time on the PGA Tour and his strong work ethic. He can play hardball because he doesn't depend on anyone else for his well-being. That kind of independence gives him the leverage to protect what he's built throughout his career. Woods can walk out of a negotiation if he disagrees with something, and nobody else can do that. Having him on the PGA Tour's side is a definite advantage.

In a nutshell, Tiger Woods joining the PGA Tour Board is a win-win for golf right now. His influence and no-nonsense approach make him a formidable asset in dealing with the likes of PIF and Aramco. The PGA Tour's got the big guy on their side, and that's a game-changer.

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