BREAKING: PGA Tour’s LIV Golf talks dealt another blow as policy board resignations continue
The PGA Tour remain in negotiations with the Public Investment of Saudi Arabia, however are now doing so without two key members of their policy board amid recent resignations
PGA Tour policy board member Mark Flaherty has become the latest to resign from his role, as talks over a peace deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) continue.
The Tour have been locked in talks with PIF, as they look to bring to an end their hostilities with LIV Golf. They will now have to continue without one of their board members though, after Flaherty opted to quit his post over the weekend, with commissioner Jay Monahan confirming the news in a memo to players.
The former director penned a resignation letter, describing his time spent on the board as a ‘privilege and honour’. “Golf has always been a significant part of my life,” Flaherty wrote to his fellow directors.
“Being able to blend my passion for the sport with the intricate workings and growth of the PGA Tour has been a truly rewarding experience.” Thanking Monahan, he went on: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Commissioner Monahan and Chairman Herlihy for their leadership in driving a successful business and product agenda.
“It is one that consistently prioritizes our fans, players, title sponsors, media, tournaments, marketing partners and volunteers. Additionally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff at the PGA Tour who work tirelessly to support the Board and ensure the flawless execution of our events each week, thus providing a superior product for the golf world to enjoy.
“Thank you to everyone for your support throughout my tenure on the Policy Board. Warm regards, Mark Flaherty.” Flaherty became the second member in a matter of days to step away from the board, after Jimmy Dunne handed in his resignation last week.
Dunne had been central to the initial reached framework agreement with PIF, but will play no future part in the deal having stepped away from his role. In explaining his decision, the former director cast major doubt over the peace deal completed soon, highlighting the lack of progress being made with the ongoing talks.
“No meaningful progress has been made towards a transaction with PIF,” he said in his resignation letter. Looking back on his time he commented: “When I arrived on the board in January 2023, everybody involved with the game was concerned about the fundamental threat of LIV Golf.
“As directed by Commissioner Monahan, I engaged LIV’s majority owner, the Public Investment Fund, to see if we could end the lawsuits and reunify the game. Importantly, we were able to come to an agreement in which the lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice and a path was created for the Tour to remain in control of professional golf. I believe that history will look favorably on this outcome and the very real opportunities now afforded the Tour.”
