By Rahul Banerji
In the wake of shaken confidence in its functioning, the PGA Tour has inducted Tiger Woods to its policy board to create greater functional transparency and to give players a bigger voice in decision-making.
Player backlash was fierce over the Public Investment Fund merger as negotiations took place in secret even though the outcome would have affected them the most.
Tour chief Jay Monahan faced the brunt of criticism over the deal and the body has responded by seeking to amend its charter to ensure major decisions would be taken with much greater transparency.
The PGA Tour said in a statement, “Commissioner Monahan and members, directors and Player Advisory Council members have announced a new agreement to ensure that the Tour lives up to its mission of being a player-driven organisation.
Rebuilding trust
“As part of the new transparency and governance measures in the agreement, Tiger Woods has agreed to join the Tour Policy Board as a sixth player director.
“The Tour’s new Board will include six player-directors, five independent directors, and the PGA of America director.”
The step will give the 15-time major winner a big say in the Tour’s functioning and could lead to his having the sort of influence on the future of pro golf as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer once had.
In his first reaction to the proposed changes, Tiger said, “I am honoured to represent the players of the PGA Tour.
Critical time
“This is a critical point for the Tour, and the players will do their best to make certain that any changes that are made in operations are in the best interest of all stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.
“The players thank Commissioner Monahan for agreeing to address our concerns, and we look forward to being at the table with him to make the right decisions for the future of the game that we all love.
“He has my confidence moving forward with these changes.”
Said close friend Justin Thomas of Tiger’s induction, “He takes the future of the Tour very seriously and he wants it to be in the best hands possible and it to be in the best position possible.”
“Tiger’s voice and leadership throughout his career have contributed immeasurably to the success of the PGA Tour,” Monahan said.
“To apply both to our governance and go-forward plan at this crucial time is even more welcomed and impactful.
Reviving confidence
“I am committed to taking the necessary steps to restore any lost trust or confidence that occurred as a result of the surprise announcement of our Framework Agreement (with PIF).
“My job in the negotiations is to advocate for what is best for Tour members today and in the future. Any agreement we reach must be shaped by our members’ input and approval earned through our player directors.”
To start with, the Tour’s basic policy documentation will be changed “to make it clear that no major decision can be made in the future without the prior involvement and approval of the player directors.
“Second, the player directors’ special advisor, Colin Neville, will be fully aware of the state of the negotiations contemplated by the Framework Agreement…
“…As such, Neville will be provided with full access to any documents or information that he requests as being necessary for him to carry out his duties on behalf of the players.
“Accordingly, the player directors will have full transparency and the authority to approve — or to decline — any potential changes to the Tour as part of the Framework Agreement discussions,” the PGA Tour added.
Also read: PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger ‘framework’ sent to US Senate panel
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