Alan Shipnuck Identifies how Conflict in Israel Could Affect the PGA Tour / LIV Deal

A very tenuous political situation could work its way into the potential deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), according to golf writer Alan Shipnuck.

This past weekend, Hamas, an armed group representing Palestinians, invaded Israel and reportedly killed over 1,000 people while holding at least 100 hostages. Israel responded by saying that it plans to fight back and take control of the Gaza Strip, which has been a source of conflict between the two groups for decades.

While much of the Western world has denounced the acts of Hamas, Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, announced that his country stands by the Palestinian people.

Shipnuck took notice on social media, pointing out the obvious.

Obviously there are far, far more important issues, but this statement just made consummating the PIF-PGA Tour framework agreement that much more complicated. https://t.co/h0r1fs5KIT

— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) October 10, 2023

After bin Salman’s statement went public, the PGA Tour posted their sympathies to the Israeli people, calling the actions of Hamas a terrorist attack. The post was made Monday night, two days after the attacks took place.

pic.twitter.com/Tq6MGaF8QS

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 9, 2023

On Friday, a day before the violence began, Bloomberg reported that the self-imposed deadline of Dec. 31 for the PGA Tour and the PIF to reach a deal is likely facing a delay due to a host of issues. These include potential antitrust issues with the U.S. government and the potential of high-profile golfers like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy wanting a stake in the new entity.

Making things more difficult for LIV Golf, the circuit received word this week that its events will not be eligible for Official World Golf Ranking points, making it more difficult for its players to qualify for majors in the future.

Cover Photo via Twitter