In the timeline of the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and PIF, the parties had set a new deadline for the closure of the definitive agreement, close to the original expiration date.
The new timeframe is set to end next week, coinciding with the Masters Tournament.
However, the conditional tense remains necessary as, despite recent meetings between Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jay Monahan, and the Player Directors of the PGA Tour (led by Tiger Woods), the atmosphere of general uncertainty persists.
This feeling is further confirmed by an authoritative opinion, that of Paul McGinley.
Paul McGinley, statements
The former Team Europe captain at Gleneagles, during an interview with RTE Sport, expressed his viewpoint on the state of the negotiations as the new deadline approaches.
"Don’t hold your breath. I think both parties are still far from finding common ground (necessary to conclude the definitive agreement)."
"The Masters is the first occasion, since the last Open Championship, where we will see all the world’s best players back together to play a tournament."
"Of course, we are still talking about an event marked by division and attenuation."
"When Jon Rahm signed with the LIV Golf, everyone thought it was time for an agreement, given that he was the world number 2."
"And yet, here we are, four months later, and really, there is no sign of an agreement."
According to McGinley, the fear of further delay is accompanied not only by the very similar approach adopted by the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, focusing solely on the continuation of their respective seasons but also by an issue related to the structure of the PGA Tour.
"It’s a one-head, one-vote system."
"Although people like Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Tiger Woods will wield some influence, ultimately, it’s a democratic organization."
"Trying to garner the necessary consensus to proceed is extremely difficult."
Once again, professional golf finds itself on the verge of a turning point, and the question remains the same: will the breakthrough actually happen?