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7 Things We Learned from Leaked PGA Tour-Saudi PIF Agreement

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PGA Tour holds marathon 5-hour player meeting over PIF-Saudi deal. It’s hard to top the shock value of the merger itself, but here are 7 other MOST astonishing revelations from the deal. Honestly, it’s still quite unclear how, or even IF it will all go down. As of right now…Here’s what we know.

Twenty days after the shocking announcement of a “framework agreement” between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, confidential copies of the deal became public Monday night. The document, which was first reported on by The Athletic and No Laying Up and also obtained by GOLF.com, was sent to Congress Monday evening, ahead of the July 11 Senate hearing on the proposed partnership. 

According to the five-page accord, which was signed May 30, the proposed company — temporarily named NewCo — “will be the entity for professional golf,” but for the time being the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf will coexist. The PGA Tour will maintain its powerful position atop the men’s professional golf world, its costly litigation now nullified while forging an uncertain future that could see Tour members and LIV golfers regularly competing in the same tournaments.

Importantly, this is all part of an initial agreement, only parts of which are legally binding. “Definitive Agreements” are cited throughout the deal that these once-warring sides hope to ratify. The document has been shared with Congress because the entire proposal is under investigation by both the U.S. Senate and the Department of Justice. A hearing is scheduled for July 11, which the PGA Tour has said it plans to attend. LIV Golf declined to comment when asked if it would be in attendance, and the PIF did not respond to an inquiry about its intentions.

LIV Golf and the PGA Tour were embroiled in multiple lawsuits throughout 2022 and early ’23, one of them focused on alleged anticompetitive practices of the PGA Tour. For a major market shareholder to suddenly merge its business interests with its primary competitor(s) is a move we’ve seen in other pro sports, but that still garners close attention from U.S. lawmakers. This proposed partnership, because it involves the DP World Tour, is also likely to face investigation from European regulators.

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Key Details: 

1. One through-line of the document, as previously reported by GOLF.com, are clauses that ensure power for the PGA Tour. The PIF is making an investment and bringing its golf assets to the table — one of which is LIV — but the PGA Tour will maintain voting control of the NewCo board. Additional investment from the PIF — and/or actions under its right of refusal on new capital raised — will not increase its presence beyond a non-controlling voting interest.

2. LIV Golf’s future, as well as that of team golf, is unclear. It’s not dead, but it’s certainly not guaranteed to survive, either. When PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan repeatedly mentioned an “empirical evaluation” would take place on the prospects of LIV Golf, he was simply quoting the agreement:

“NewCo will be provided access to all information requested to facilitate this evaluation and assessment … so that the NewCo Board, with the recommendation of its [CEO] Jay Monahan, will determine the ongoing plan and strategy regarding all NewCo operations…”

In other words, Monahan will hold many cards. Jimmy Dunne and Ed Herlihy — both proposed members of the NewCo executive committee — would also possess much influence. Will they want LIV Golf to exist as it currently does? Monahan said himself that is unlikely. Could the league be repackaged as the PGA Tour’s own version of team golf? That’s plausible. The agreement states that the parties “will make a good faith assessment of the benefits of team golf…and determine how best to integrate team golf into PGA Tour and DP World Tour events going forward.” 

Tom Watson Jay Monahan
Tom Watson blasts PGA Tour-Saudi PIF merger in an open letter

3. Players who left for LIV Golf would be allowed to return but with specific qualifiers. For starters, no players will be allowed back before the 2023 season plays out. (Also, for the time being, no players will be recruited to play for LIV teams.) More important, the PIF, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour will be setting “fair criteria and terms of readmission consistent with each Tour’s disciplinary policies.” That likely means that different players who left at different times and in different ways — i.e. departed mostly silently or went so far as to recruit other players — will be dealt different terms for reinstatement. Phil Mickelson, for example, was one of the first players officially suspended by the PGA Tour, in March 2022, when he worked to recruit players to join LIV, according to court documents. 

4. The words “good faith” are used throughout the agreement, but perhaps most important in regards to the Official World Golf Ranking: “The parties will cooperate in good faith and use best efforts to secure OWGR recognition for LIV events and players under OWGR’s criteria for considering LIV’s application.” LIV events have not received world ranking points since its inception, which has caused the world ranking for each of its commitments to fall as a result, and caused great consternation among the upstart league’s strongest supporters. The only player whose ranking has risen since joining LIV was Brooks Koepka, who played well in major championships in 2023. The agreement seems to state that LIV events could earn ranking points in the future, but no details have been finalized beyond that.

5. Pending approval and the various investigations, the PIF would become a corporate partner of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, wherein the three sides would “identify a high profile event for which the PIF or its designee(s) will make a financial investment to serve as title sponsor.” 

The PIF is already a title sponsor of Saudi International, which is now in its fifth year. The event was initially sanctioned by the DP World Tour but in recent years was rebranded “PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisors” and on the Asian Tour schedule. The agreement seems to make it not just possible but likely that we could see a PIF-sponsored event on the PGA Tour schedule.

6. The PGA Tour Policy Board will have a PIF-appointed member. We already knew this was coming — PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan is set to join the board, as part of the initial announcement — but the wording in the agreement portends that perhaps another PIF executive could take Al-Rumayyan’s place. The deal nonetheless creates an 11th seat on the board, which currently includes five PGA Tour players and five independent directors. The board has never once blocked a decision that was unanimously approved by its player directors, but it is unclear if Al-Rumayyan’s inclusion would trigger adding a sixth player director for balance. 

7. There’s still much to be decided. That’s the understatement of the century, however, a stipulation of the document states that the contents of it will remain until (a) the Definitive Agreements are signed, (b) an extension is agreed to, or (c) Jan. 1, 2024, arrives.

HERE IS THE BOTTOM LINE – If neither A nor B above takes place, the agreement between the PGA Tour and PIF will be terminated.

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Welcome to the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open!

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Hello, everyone! Kelly Hodgeson here, your go-to for all things golf betting. As we gear up for an electrifying week at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open from October 17-20, I’m here to guide you through the field and share some inside tips on where to place your bets.

Let’s talk about Will Gordon. Despite the odds sitting at +30000, there’s a potential goldmine if he pulls through with a win. A modest $10 bet could turn into $3,010! And if you’re looking for something a bit safer, his top 10 finish at +1800 could return $190 on that same $10. It’s all about finding those hidden gems.

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Now, onto the stars of the show—Tom Kim is back, aiming for a spectacular three-peat with odds of 12-1. His performance at the Presidents Cup has everyone buzzing, and rightfully so. Other big names to watch include Davis Thompson and Taylor Pendrith, both with solid 25-1 odds. These players have shown they can handle the pressure, making this tournament anyone’s game.

At Spreads, we made sure even the casual bettor felt like a VIP, and that’s exactly what I’m bringing to Clickit Golf. Whether you’re betting big or just here for the thrill, I’m here to make sure you’re getting the VIP treatment.

Remember, golf is unpredictable, but that’s where the fun lies. Whether you’re here to place a bet or simply enjoy the game, the Shriners Children’s Open is set to be a fantastic display of talent and nerve. So, grab your scorecards and let’s make this tournament one for the books!

Don’t forget the incredible work that Shriners Children’s Hospital does for their patients. Maybe use some of that bankroll to make a bet on them, it’s a sure winner.

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The Final Day of the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship

A thrilling showdown looms

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As the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson heads into its final day, golf fans are eagerly anticipating an electrifying finish. The tournament has already delivered high-stakes competition and plenty of nail-biting moments, with the field of contenders showcasing both resilience and finesse throughout the week.

After three rounds of spectacular golf, Keith Mitchell enters the final day leading the pack at 20-under par, with Beau Hossler right on his heels at 19-under. Mitchell, whose only PGA Tour win came more than five years ago at the Honda Classic, faces a critical moment on Sunday as he aims for his second title. He was flawless on Saturday, carding a bogey-free 7-under 65 to climb to the top, but he knows Sunday will be a true test of nerves and skill.

“Tomorrow is a completely new day,” Mitchell stated after his round. “Last group. Been there before and failed a bunch on Sundays in the last group. I’m hoping I can learn from those mistakes.” Whether Mitchell can hold his composure and deliver a steady final round remains to be seen, but fans are excited to see if he can secure the victory.

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Beau Hossler, searching for his first PGA Tour victory, will be applying pressure throughout the day, keeping Mitchell in his sights. Hossler’s performance so far has been marked by a series of strong rounds, but a crucial double bogey on the par-4 12th hole on Saturday set him back. Despite the setback, Hossler remains just one shot behind Mitchell at 19-under par. His determination and strong play make it evident that a breakthrough win may not be far off for the 29-year-old.

The final round also promises notable performances from several other players, adding to the intensity of the event. Kevin Yu is currently in third place at 18-under, after an impressive birdie streak on the back nine during Saturday’s round. Meanwhile, Bud Cauley, Lucas Glover, and Jacob Bridgeman are all tied for fourth at 16-under. Each of these players has shown tremendous fight, and the final round could see anyone emerge as a challenger.

Hayden Springer, who began the tournament as somewhat of an underdog, has turned heads with his exceptional play throughout the week. The TCU alum is tied for sixth, marking one of his best performances on the PGA Tour. Springer’s rise up the leaderboard exemplifies the competitive depth of this year’s field.

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One of the highlights of the championship so far has been David Skinns’s course-record 60 during the first round. Though Skinns has struggled to maintain his initial momentum, currently tied for 44th, his performance on Thursday will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the tournament.

As Sunday approaches, Keith Mitchell will need to display the confidence and determination required to close out a win against a talented field. He will need to play calculated golf, understanding when to take risks and when to be conservative. The final round is set to be a thrilling showdown, with Mitchell, Hossler, and the rest of the contenders all striving to make their mark.

Whether Mitchell can capture the Sanderson Farms Championship trophy or if one of the chasing pack will rise to the occasion is still uncertain. For fans, the anticipation is building, and all eyes are on the Country Club of Jackson as the final chapter of this year’s tournament unfolds. The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship has already provided an exhilarating showcase of high-caliber golf, and the final day promises even more drama and excitement.

Stay tuned as we await the final results and see who will emerge victorious in this thrilling battle for the Sanderson Farms Championship title.

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Beau Hossler Leads the Charge as Sanderson Farms Championship Heats Up

Moving Day Brings Drama and High Stakes in Jackson

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The Sanderson Farms Championship is heating up, and as we head into today’s round, all eyes are on Beau Hossler. The 28-year-old is chasing his first PGA TOUR victory and currently sits atop the leaderboard after an impressive 8-under 64 on Friday. Hossler is feeling the pressure but remains focused, holding a slim one-stroke lead over Daniel Berger. Berger, in his own right, put together a masterful bogey-free 65, showcasing his ability to bounce back from a long injury layoff and reminding everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

As the action continues at the Country Club of Jackson, Mississippi, the field is tightly packed. With players like Keith Mitchell and David Skinns close behind, it’s anyone’s tournament at this point. Mitchell’s aggressive play and Skinns’ steady consistency have kept them in striking distance, making this weekend a must-watch for fans of the sport. Adding to the storylines is Gary Woodland, who’s battling his way up the leaderboard in an inspiring comeback following his recent health challenges. Woodland posted a bogey-free round, keeping himself in contention and capturing the hearts of fans who admire his resilience.

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The Sanderson Farms Championship is known for delivering unexpected drama, and this year is proving to be no different. The course at the Country Club of Jackson, with its tree-lined fairways and strategically placed hazards, has been testing the skills of even the most seasoned players. Low scores have been a hallmark of the event so far, but the weekend always has a way of separating the contenders from the pretenders. With the cut set at 6-under 138, those who made it through will need to stay aggressive while avoiding the lurking dangers that could derail their chances.

As we move into moving day, expect to see more aggressive pin-seeking and bold drives. Players know this is their opportunity to position themselves for a shot at glory on Sunday. Hossler and Berger will have to navigate the pressure, but they are not alone. Mitchell, Skinns, and a host of others are all within striking distance, making for a tightly contested leaderboard. It’s this kind of competition that makes the Sanderson Farms Championship such a thrill to watch—an event where up-and-coming talents clash with seasoned veterans, each hungry for a win.

Fans should also keep an eye on some dark horse players who are quietly lurking just a few shots back. Golf is a game of momentum, and all it takes is a hot streak to vault up the leaderboard. The championship offers crucial FedExCup points, and with many players seeking to improve their standings as the season winds down, there’s an extra layer of urgency to every swing, every putt, and every decision.

The Sanderson Farms Championship is more than just a golf tournament; it’s an opportunity for these players to prove themselves on a big stage. As the weekend unfolds, the focus will be on consistency, resilience, and the ability to handle the pressure that comes with competing for a PGA TOUR title. Who will rise to the occasion? Will Hossler finally get his breakthrough win, or will Berger’s comeback story reach a new high? One thing is for sure: it’s going to be an exciting weekend of golf filled with drama, excitement, and a healthy dose of unpredictability.

Stay tuned for continued coverage as the Sanderson Farms Championship intensifies. The pursuit of glory and those all-important FedExCup points will only get more dramatic as the players continue their quest for victory.

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