Former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson voices FRUSTRATION over delay in PGA Tour-PIF merger negotiations

Webb Simpson expressed his frustration with the delay of talks regarding the golf merger between the PGA Tour and the PIF.

Former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson voices FRUSTRATION over delay in PGA Tour-PIF merger negotiations

Webb Simpson (Image via Golf)

The talks about the golf merger between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have stalled down a little in the past few weeks. Former U.S. Open winner and a member of the tour’s policy board Webb Simpson recently voiced his frustrations regarding this.

The merger between the PGA Tour and the PIF was first announced in June 2023. Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan along with PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan would inform the world about this deal which would reunite the sport.

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Since then there have been several rounds of talks between the two parties. In recent weeks, Monahan along with PGA Tour player-directors, Adam Scott and Tiger Woods reached out to US President Donald Trump to help in this deal.

Despite the intervention of Trump, nothing concrete has happened as of yet. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Simpson, who is not on the transaction committee that oversees this deal, voiced his frustrations regarding a delay in these talks. He expressed that there has been a delay from the PIF side.

It seems like there is a little bit of a breakdown in communication (on their side). On our side, when questions are asked of us, we get answers right away. We’ve been diligent. I don’t now if the same is true on their side. That part has been kind of frustrating.

Webb Simpson said

A few weeks ago reports emerged that a meeting at the White House between the two parties did not go well as many had expected. Trump would later even joke about these talks and claim that they were more complicated than the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

One of the biggest aspects of this deal is the reunification of golf. Since the formation of LIV Golf, the sport has been divided with the top players going against each other only during the major championships. A merger deal would see golfers play under one tour again.

Webb Simpson takes swipe at LIV Golf format after delay in negotiations talks

While voicing his frustration over the delay in the negotiations talks, Webb Simpson took a swipe at the LIV Golf. The 2012 U.S. Open winner threw a jab at the format of the 54-hole league.

Webb Simpson
Webb Simpson (Image via SB Nation)

Unlike the other professional golf tours, LIV Golf has several different aspects. While playing just three rounds, the league does not feature a cut and has a shotgun start. The biggest difference here is the team format.

The team concept is something that Simpson does not understand. In golf, players usually compete in teams during international events only such as the Ryder Cup or the Presidents Cup. The team format in golf is something that he does not think has a future.

To me, it’s hard to get your mind around the team concept. You can get your mind around the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup once a year. But the franchise model or Formula 1 model on the PGA Tour… it’s hard to see a future in that.

Webb Simpson said

At the moment LIV Golf has 13 teams on their circuit. The 13th team, Legion XIII, was introduced before the start of the 2024 season after Jon Rahm made a shocking move to them and left the PGA Tour.

These 13 teams compete in the team championship event alongside the normal events. At the end of the season, the team sitting on top of the team standings is crowned the Team Champions of that season.

Rory McIlroy recently expressed uncertainty over PGA Tour-PIF merger deal

The one thing many golf fans are eagerly waiting for at the moment is some positive news regarding the PGA Tour-PIF deal. With the negotiations once again slowing down, 4-time major champion Rory McIlroy expressed his uncertainty over this deal.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

The 35-year-old golfer, who was once a huge critic of LIV Golf, had changed his stance in the past and was open to a deal with the PIF. Before the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy was asked about his thoughts regarding the current pace of these talks. The former World No.1 claimed he does not feel like the deal is getting any closer at the moment.

I don’t think it’s ever felt that close, but I don’t, it doesn’t feel like it’s any closer

Rory McIlroy said in the Arnold Palmer Invitational presser

McIlroy also dropped a bold claim later on. He expressed that at the moment, the PGA Tour does not need a deal. He pointed out the increase in the PGA Tour TV ratings and the success of the TGL. With momentum on their side, he does not think that a merger deal is needed.