The PGA Tour’s merger with PIF still seems like a far-off dream. With the long-impending merger also comes the question of the long-lost LIV Golf defectors. Their status (and possible comeback to the PGAT landscape) stands as shaky as possible in this hopeful reality. But why is that the case? Well, the answer to this seems to have several layers; however, one seems to be prominent: Tiger Woods. The fifteen-time major winner appears to be one of the major roadblocks to the re-entry of the former PGAT stars. Why Woods, you may ask?

Actions go farther than words ever could. Even though Woods has previously stated his willingness to help the PGA Tour with an eventual merger with LIV Golf, his actions when it comes to the return of these far-gone gems do not convey a similar message. After all, a merger would mean the eventual inclusion of the current LIV golfers into the PGA Tour scene. Here’s why Woods is a hurdle to actualizing this dream:

3. The Tiger Woods influence does not seem to support the dreams of a united golf world

The return of the LIV Golfers is one of the most contentious matters associated with the PGA Tour-PIF merger. Considering the heavy influence that Woods holds on behest of his position in the PGA Tour player council as well as the larger golf world, if he had fully agreed to the return of the defected players, the merger might’ve already become a reality.

The fact that it is not yet solidified translates into the all-powerful Tiger of the golfing jungle not completely backing an easy homecoming for the bygone golfers.

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2. Two player sources also back Woods’s hesitation

A considerable share of PGA Tour loyalists does not think that LIV golfers should be given easy entry without any punishment. This subset includes Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler. Keeping in mind JT’s closeness with Woods, his opinion is highly likely to also be reflective of Woods’s thoughts on the matter.

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In Thomas’s words, “I’m not necessarily super adamant one way or the other. I want the best product and the best players…but I’m definitely not in agreement that they should just be able to come back that easily.”

Scottie Scheffler elaborated that the golfers in discussion are the ones who left in the first place, and then also sued the Tour which was not in “great taste.” “A path towards coming back, I think it wouldn’t be a very popular decision, I think, if they just came back like nothing ever happened. I think there should be a pathway back for them, but they definitely shouldn’t be able to come back without any sort of contribution to the tour, if that makes sense,” said the golfer, expressing his stern remarks.

1. The role played by the 5x Masters champion in the PGA Tour’s $3 billion merger with SSG

When analyzed critically, the Woods connection to actualizing the PGA Tour-SSG merger becomes apparent. After all, Fenway (along with all other SSG members) owns a TGL team. Moreover, the SSG only came into the PGA Tour investment picture once the golf sensation was back in action and took charge as a council member.

Therefore, it is safe to say that it is highly likely that he was the main connection between the PGA Tour and Fenway, who has emerged as a tough competitor (in terms of money) to the PIF, and thus, given PGA Tour some time to stand firm on their grounds, something Woods seems to have a keen interest in.

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