Ahead of LIV’s ninth tournament of the season, the LIV Golf pro-am event got underway at London’s Centurion Club on Thursday. The event was a star-studded one, with even PIF chairperson Yasir Al-Rumayyan making an appearance. However, it was the presence of one particular billionaire on the course that sent ripples through the golf world!

It was none other than Pawan Kant Munjal. Known for his ties with Tiger Woods, the prominent businessman just recently served as the playing partner to the 15-time major winner’s longtime rival and much-controversial LIV figure, Phil Mickelson. And considering Woods’ partnership with the billionaire, it is sure to sting!

Tiger Woods’ close aid is spotted at the LIV Golf pro-am with Phil Mickelson

In the wake of the nearly $3,000,000,000 PGA Tour-LIV merger, the attitude of people toward the Saudi-backed league is steadily changing. It became even more apparent at the LIV Golf pro-am on Thursday, as several potential partners were in attendance at the golf course in St. Albans. One particularly influential figure whose presence caught the attention of the golf community was Pawan Kant Munjal, the chairman, and CEO of Hero MotorCorp. It is the largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters in the world. Munjal not only participated in the event but was also the playing partner of 6-time major winner Phil Mickelson!

However, it is the 68-year-old’s association with Tiger Woods that has many in the golf world scratching their heads. After all, Munjal’s company serves as the sponsor for Woods’ PGA Tour event, which he hosts in the Bahamas every year. The Indian businessman, who is reportedly worth $3.6 billion, had also previously distanced himself from the Saudi-funded breakaway series.

After Indian pro golfer Anirban Lahiri defected to LIV last year, his sponsorship deal with Hero was subsequently terminated. Lahiri later seemed to take a jab at the brand, saying, “Any corporate that supports golf should be celebrated. That’s all I want to say.” It seems, however, that the tables have turned and Hero is ‘celebrating’ golf with LIV!

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While Woods has yet to comment on the latest development, one may as well be expected considering the 15-time major winner recently broke his eerie silence online. And the reason? The mega controversy that has risen amid the merger after several documents concerning him came to the surface!

Tiger Woods clarifies his stance on leaked documents

In early June, the announcement of the PGAT-LIV merger came as a big shock to players and golf fans alike. However, it was Tiger Woods’ deafening silence surrounding the deal that surprised many. Last Sunday, however, the 47-year-old finally broke his silence, albeit not in the manner that fans expected!

Woods’ statement came after hundreds of pages worth of documents that are part of an antitrust lawsuit filed against the PGA Tour were unearthed recently. Per the documents, the golfer was set to deliver a preconceived, expletives-laden speech against LIV Golf at a player meeting last year. Woods, however, has denied these claims.

In a 35-word tweet, the player wrote that he had never received any scripted speech. He further wrote that he was not part of any player meetings either!

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Do you think Tiger Woods will speak out against the latest development? Tell us in the comments below!