
Imago
Credits: IMAGO

Imago
Credits: IMAGO
Essentials Inside The Story
- Woods' Influence off the course
- Woods' Role in the PGA-PIF Merger Attempts
- When Woods was bestowed with more Reponsibilty
It has been a while since Tiger Woods has led the charge on the course. The last time the Big Cat really looked threatening was way back in 2019. However, he has still been an influential figure on the PGA Tour.
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His contribution to the sport over the last three decades has been immense. So it makes sense that he still moves the needle in golf. But it’s not just the fan opinion that Woods drives. He also holds power in the PGA Tour office. His involvement in the PIF-PGA Tour merger showcased that. Let’s see how Woods played a huge role in the conversation between the two Tours.
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Tiger Woods plays a key role in the PIF-PGA Tour merger
Being one of the most accomplished golfers in history, Tiger Woods is respected immensely by pros, golf executives, and everyone else associated with the sport. That extends to the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
And there is no question about Trump’s connections in golf. The President loves the sport and often associates himself with athletes from different Tours. That includes LIV Golf. So when the PIF-PGA Tour merger was being discussed, it’s no surprise that Trump was also pushed into the mix.
The President decided to invite the PGA Tour and LIV Golf representatives to the White House to discuss the merger. Yasir Al-Rumayyan visited the President’s Palace on behalf of PIF. Meanwhile, Jay Monahan, Adam Scott, and Tiger Woods were invited to represent the PGA Tour.
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Tiger Woods, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan are expected to meet with President Donald J. Trump at the White House today, according to @ESPN and @golfweek. pic.twitter.com/gFZHCpeVO2
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) February 20, 2025
The conversation didn’t go as planned, as Al-Rumayyan left the White House feeling insulted. But the inclusion of Woods in the conversation, despite the presence of the commissioner and leader of the PGA Tour’s Policy Board, shows how valuable his presence is for the Tour.
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Speaking of Woods and Al-Rumayyan, this wasn’t the first time they connected to discuss the merger. Woods had previously hosted the governor of PIF for a special event.
Back in March 2024, the PGA Tour had the PIF deciding on a venue for their meeting to discuss the merger. Woods took the opportunity to host the PGA Tour players and executives, like Jay Monahan, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Bob Harig, Webb Simpson, and Patrick Cantlay, at his residence in the Bahamas.
Al-Rumayyan had joined the meeting representing the PIF back then as well. As revealed by Simpson to Sports Business Journal, Woods was “very engaged” in the conversation while discussing the merger. After the meeting, Al-Rumayyan also indulged in a round of golf with the legend at the iconic golf course of the Hero World Challenge, the Albany.
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🚨#LEADING THE WAY — Tiger Woods hosted the meeting with PIF leader Yasir Al-Rumayyan at his private residence in The Bahamas and played golf with him at Albany. Webb Simpson described Tiger as being “very engaged” in the discussions. “He’s a great leader and I really think he’s… pic.twitter.com/NLgYc41Na7
— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) March 20, 2024
Merger conversations are not the only situation when the PGA Tour consults Tiger Woods. He has also advised them on other critical situations and has been entrusted with bigger responsibilities on Tour.
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Woods comes to the PGA Tour’s aid whenever needed
When Tiger Woods’ good friend, Rory McIlroy, left his role as one of the PGA Tour’s Player Directors in 2023, it opened a lot of wounds. As the Irishman admitted, “It got pretty complicated and pretty messy, and I think with the way it happened, I think it opened up some old wounds and scar tissue from things that have happened before,” speaking to National Club Golfer.
He wanted to focus on his game and family. But he was still committed to improving the PGA Tour. In 2024, McIlroy tried to find a way back in as a Player Director. And Webb Simpson was planning to vacate his position to allow him to join. But Woods didn’t want that.
Woods and Cantlay opposed the Irishman’s return to the position. As McIlroy admitted, they didn’t reject his approach, but it was too complicated for him to deal with. But he also admitted that it didn’t change his dynamic with Woods despite the difference in opinion.
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After years of his contribution, Brian Rolapp decided to empower Woods with the appropriate role. The new PGA Tour CEO created the Future Competition Committee and made the 15-time major winner the Chairman in August 2025.
While he dominated the golf course during his prime, the Tiger Woods of 2025 is taking over golf as a leader in the sport.
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