Weeks and weeks pass and the story regarding the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf remains a current topic. It is still not known whether both sides are ready to unite and solve the problems on the golf scene, but judging by what we have seen so far, the final agreement is far.
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Important figures of the golf scene, but also of other sports, give their opinions and forecasts regarding this agreement.
One of those who reacted was US hedge fund manager and owner of the New York Mets Major League Baseball franchise Steve Cohen. Cohen Private Ventures is part of the Strategic Sports Group, which has invested huge amounts of money to create PGA Tour Enterprises.
In an interview with the media, Cohen pointed out that there are many factors and moving parts, but he is optimistic that an agreement will be reached. His goal is to once again watch the best golfers under one 'roof'. For years, we watched golf in which the best players played in the Majors, fought for titles, and created an excitement factor. With the arrival of LIV Golf, a lot of things were disrupted and went in the wrong direction, which really worried the fans.
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Its a lot of moving parts and I think well get there, Cohen said, as quoted by Irish Golfer.
The goal is to reunite all the players its fragmented right now. Getting to play in one tournament, one venue, whatever it is, is exciting.
Although the final agreement was supposed to be reached by the end of last year, there is still a little left until the end of this year, and things have not moved from the deadlock. As if there is a certain apathy among the leaders of both tours. Some have the feeling that this kind of situation suits the leaders of both Tours, considering that it attracts the attention of the fans.
Looking at the last two years, the general impression is that golf fans have lost interest in golf for a variety of reasons. It was expected that things would go in the other direction. It was expected that both sides would be more open, compromise, and ready to reach a final agreement. At this moment, the impression is that each side is looking to get the most out of this agreement and remain the winner in the story. Does the PGA Tour or LIV want a bigger piece of the pie, or probably both sides? It's hard to give the right answer. There's a lot going on behind the curtain, we have no doubt, but getting some answers at this point would be really important.
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SSG invested as much as $3billion, with the intention of making it easier for the PGA Tour to fight against LIV, which has enormous financial power. The departure of quality golfers from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf provoked a response from the PGA Tour who found a great partner. This produced reactions from many, who expected that it would likely influence the PGA to back out of the deal. Judging by the comments of PGA Tour coordinator Jay Monahan, things are far from the truth.
In the interview, Cohen pointed out that the way the PGA Tour is run, there is a lot of room for improvement. SSG wants the PGA Tour to become even stronger, to generate even more interest, but also to make a profit together. Cohen is aware that the golf scene is not in good shape, given the multitude of events, but he is optimistic that things can be worked out. He wants golf to be an interest just like it used to be.
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"We think the ways it's been run; we think we can improve the operations and make it much more profitable," he said.
"Golf's at a moment where there's a lot of stuff going on that needs to be worked out in general."
Cohen: We think we can work it out
A man who has been in the world of sports for years, and a man who also knows business, is sure that things can be solved, with the wish that the PGA Tour and LIV unite and operate as one body. Cohen could certainly be of great importance for this agreement with his influence. His experience, insight, wisdom, and many other characteristics could certainly be a guarantee of success. It is also important that the leaders of both Tours understand the importance of this agreement, and to put an end to this story after a year and a half.
But we think we can work it out and were excited to get involved and help the sport grow.
