2024 is upon us and the division in skilled golf stays at an all-time excessive. Hours previous to the New 12 months being rung in, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan despatched a memo to the gamers, updating them on talks with potential traders.

That in fact contains LIV and its beneficiary, the Saudi Public Funding Fund (PIF). However he additionally reiterated plans to go ahead with SSG as one other investor within the PGA Tour.

“As you understand, the [PGA Tour policy board] unanimously directed administration to pursue unique negotiations with SSG [Strategic Sports Group],” Monahan wrote within the memo.

“I’m happy to report that we’ve got made significant progress and have offered SSG with the due diligence data they requested. As we transfer ahead in our discussions, we’re centered on the finalization of phrases and drafts of vital paperwork.”

Photograph by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Pictures

SSG is a gaggle of billionaire group homeowners, together with Tom Werner and John Henry, who personal the Boston Purple Sox, Atlanta Falcons proprietor Arthur Clean and Boston Celtics proprietor Wyc Grousbeck.

It’s extensively believed that the Tour’s insistence to hunt out separate traders past the PIF led to the Jon Rahm poaching. Rahm leaving is the most recent and largest improvement within the rising rivalry between excursions.

However that discord has not squashed any potential take care of the Saudis. The self-imposed deadline of Dec. thirty first could have come and handed, however negotiations proceed.

“Our aim for 2024 is to succeed in agreements with SSG, PIF and the DP World Tour, bringing them on board as minority co-investors in PGA Tour Enterprises,” Monahan wrote. “These partnerships will enable us to unify, innovate and spend money on the sport for the good thing about gamers, followers and sponsors.”

ESPN experiences advised that this take care of SSG would convey greater than $3 billion into the brand new for-profit PGA Tour Enterprises.

The emergence of LIV in 2022 pressured the PGA Tour to seek out methods to make gamers happier. They elevated event purses and created the PIP (Participant Affect Program) in hopes of not dropping any extra stars to the rival circuit.

Nonetheless, it seems as if the Tour was stretched too skinny financially, which left them in a spot to strike the stunning deal with the PIF in June of 2023.

There isn’t a official deadline or timetable on a deal. However all indicators level to LIV Golf current not solely all through 2024, however into the long run. Whether or not a deal is struck with both the PIF or the SSG, the division in golf is prone to stay.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By. For extra golf protection, remember to comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You can too comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.