‘A critical point for the Tour’ – Tiger Woods becomes PGA Tour player director and vows to protect ‘future of the game’

Tiger Woods said the PGA Tour is at a “critical point” after he was named as its sixth player director, joining Rory McIlroy in a group put together to “uphold the Tour’s core principles.”

Woods, a 15-time major winner, joins five other player directors: current world No. 2 McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson.

“I am honoured to represent the players of the PGA Tour,” said Woods.

“This is a critical point for the Tour, and the players will do their best to make certain that any changes that are made in Tour operations are in the best interest of all Tour stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.

“The players thank Commissioner Monahan for agreeing to address our concerns, and we look forward to being at the table with him to make the right decisions for the future of the game that we all love. He has my confidence moving forward with these changes.”

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has agreed to support the requests of players and a Tour statement said that two would be addressed immediately.

“First, the players and commissioner Monahan will work together to amend the policy board’s governing documents to make it clear that no major decision can be made in the future without the prior involvement and approval of the player directors,” it read.

“Second, the player directors’ special advisor, Colin Neville, will be fully aware of the state of the negotiations contemplated by the framework agreement, and, as such, Neville will be provided with full access to any documents or information that he requests as being necessary for him to carry out his duties on behalf of the players.

“Accordingly, the player directors will have full transparency and the authority to approve—or to decline to approve—any potential changes to the Tour as part of the framework agreement discussions.”

But Monahan is hoping the new system put together by the Tour can help heal any wounds.

“Tiger’s voice and leadership throughout his career have contributed immeasurably to the success of the PGA Tour, and to apply both to our governance and go-forward plan at this crucial time is even more welcomed and impactful,” he said.

“I am committed to taking the necessary steps to restore any lost trust or confidence that occurred as a result of the surprise announcement of our framework agreement.

“My job in the negotiations – in partnership with our player directors, PAC and the broader membership – is to advocate for what is best for the PGA Tour members today and in the future.

“Any agreement we reach must be shaped by our members’ input and approval earned through our player directors.”