The PGA Tour on Tuesday added Tiger Woods to its policy board of directors in an effort to move beyond the controversy over its proposed merger with LIV Golf.
Woods, one of golf’s all-time best players, was added as the sixth player member on the board, the PGA Tour said in a statement.
Others include Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Webb Simpson, Peter Malnati, and Charley Hoffman. Five independent directors and the PGA of America director make up the rest of the board, Golf Digest reported.
The move came at the request of 41 players, who sent a letter to embattled PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, The Washington Post reported.
Monahan said the change would ensure that “no major decision can be made in the future without the prior involvement and approval” of player directors.
The board has the power to either approve or disapprove of the deal with LIV Golf, which is owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
“Player leaders joined together to uphold the Tour’s core principles and ask that certain steps be taken immediately, and Monahan has agreed to support the players and their requests,” the PGA Tour said.
The tour has hired special adviser Colin Neville to stay aware of negotiations on behalf of the players. 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.”
“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,” the PGA Tour’s statement said.
Woods, 47, is tied for the record for most PGA Tour victories. He has won 15 major tournaments, second only to Jack NIcklaus’ 18. Woods has been sidelined since April after ankle surgery.
“I am honored to represent the players of the PGA Tour,” Woods said in a statement. “This is a critical point for the tour, and the players will do their best to ensure that any changes 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.”