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It is what it is. The $3 billion framework agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF looks to be extended. It was widely believed that the December 31 deadline would be extended based on the agonizingly slow progress of the deal. This time, an insider admitted there was “no chance” of keeping the deadline.

The self-imposed target period was rather shocking from the beginning. Considering what was at stake, a hastily chopped-up agreement could further complicate matters in the long run and would have alienated more players from the Tour. Here are the three major takeaways from the report.

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Industry insider reveals it’s impossible

The Telegraph spoke to an insider who revealed that a December 31 agreement is impossible to reach. “There’s no chance a deal can be announced by the end of this week,” the British daily quoted the source. Earlier, PIF officials revealed that the Tour has not made any progress on the merger talks.

It should be noted that December 31 was the preferred choice of Jay Monahan. In fact, the PGAT commissioner reiterated his “firm” commitment as recently as late November. However, now that the deadline seems to be extended what’s the next possible date?

Expect big news on the way before the Masters

Reportedly, the Tour and PIF will need three more months to solve the pending issues. The insider revealed golf fans can expect, if not a final, then at least a more concrete outcome, “maybe by the end of March.”

The Pre-Masters deadline looks rather significant, considering that the first Major of the year, will perhaps have the lowest field in history. A positive announcement ahead of the Masters will raise the ‘Major’ hopes for LIV Golf players.

What might the final agreement look like?

The June 6 framework was to align the commercial interests of the PGAT, DP World Tour, and PIF into one single entity. The new company would be led by a board where the Tour will have a majority and PIF chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, would have a seat.

Read More: As the PGA Tour-PIF Merger Draws Near, Is It Time For Jay Monahan to Relinquish His Throne?

But now that Strategic Sports Group has come into the picture, the situation looks to have changed a little. Rather than solely relying on PIF as the panacea to the financial problems, the PGA Tour has found an ally in SSG. The consortium of bigwigs led by Fenway Sports Group offers the experience and financial ammunition should the merger go south. Even if PIF remains on board, having SSG will offer some leverage to the beleaguered Tour.

An extension of the deadline would not be all that shocking considering the last seven months went without any official announcement from any parties. However, how the extension is perceived in the golf community remains to be seen. After Jon Rahm’s defection, a failed deadline might just put Jay Monahan in a situation where he goes from the frying pan to fire.

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