The PGA Tour and PIF have been locked in talks since June 2023. Actually, it started even before that. The top brass of both sides were negotiating for a few months before the June 6 announcement. The initial ‘peace treaty’ was scrapped in favor of a more dynamic and all-encompassing deal that’s currently being chalked out.
The snail-like progress has frustrated players to no end. Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour Commissioner, has been asked to resign more than once. And by more than one player. But none quite expressed the frustration as Harry Higgs did in a recent appearance on the No Laying Up podcast.
Higgs was seemingly frustrated with a bombardment of emails in his inbox about hints of an impending deal and upcoming changes. The 32-year-old let go of his frustration: “If I get one more damn email about the progress that’s being made without any details, I mean unsubscribe. Just send me an email when you know the details. On maybe the field size and eligibility and whatever the hell else they are trying to change, and the update on the PIF and LIV merger wouldn’t be the right word—the (sic!) deal.”
The Tour is mulling over a cluster of changes to become effective in 2026. The initial letter to the players suggests the PAC has already approved them. Among them, the field size will be reduced to 120-144 for full-field events. The number of cards on offer to the Korn Ferry Tour graduates will be reduced to 20 from 30. There is a new proposal to improve the pace of play as well.
A letter from Camilo Villegas reached players’ inboxes that hinted to them about an upcoming change. More details followed. As for the merger, the PGA Tour generally releases a memo to the players about the meeting.
Tiger Woods is part of the six-member policy board that is actively involved in talks with PIF officials. The 15-time major champion is also a member of the Transaction Committee with Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott. However, as Jay Monahan said in a press conference, it’s not feasible to hash out a colossal agreement in full public view. So, both have been tight-lipped about the progress.
Higgs understands. But then why send vague emails? asks the Dallas resident. “I don’t care. Stop saying you are having a productive meeting. Clearly, you’re not. You’re having productive meetings for the better part of the two years.”
Higgs’s frustration is not against any particular person, however. Regardless, the PGA Tour pro sounds ‘baffled’ that there has been no clear update on the future direction the PGA Tour will take.
Harry Higgs hopes the PGA Tour top brass cares a little more
The updates on the merger have been sporadic. And there are only signs from both sides. Yasir Al-Rumayyan teed off with Jay Monahan in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Greg Norman is likely to move into an advisory role after next year. Reading the tea leaves is the best that most could do.
Keeping in mind the entire development, Harry Higgs said in the No Laying Up podcast, “I care about pro golf.” And all these people that (sic!) are in these meetings and trying to make these decisions do care about pro golf too. But for some reason, they don’t care enough to just get it done and move it forward. It’s baffling.”
Higgs, however, jokes that LIV Golf has managed to survive so long that very few actually care about punishing the defectors. The only hope for him—even Rory McIlroy would agree—is to bring back players. Higgs doesn’t want their money or anything. Just end this fiasco; that’s his only plea.
