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The PGA Tour, Europe-based DP World Tour and
the PIF-backed LIV Golf circuit agreed to unify and move forward
in a larger commercial business in June after an acrimonious
legal battle lasting more than a year.
The agreement stunned the golf world and raised concerns in
Washington over Saudi Arabia's role in the deal and the risks
posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over the
sport.
Critics have accused the PIF of being a vehicle for the country
to improve its reputation, or "sports-washing," as it faces
criticism of its human rights record.
The framework agreement is set to expire on Dec. 31 and while
Woods said there were "multiple options" they still wanted a
deal done by the end of the year.
"My reaction was surprised, just like I'm sure a lot of the
players were taken aback," said Woods, who is set to make his
first PGA Tour start since undergoing ankle surgery in April at
this week's Hero World Challenge.
"So quickly without any input or any information about it, it
was just thrown out there. I was very surprised that the process
was what it was.
"We were very frustrated with what happened and we took steps
going forward to ensure that we were not going to be left out of
the process like we were. So part of that process was putting me
on the board."
Woods joined the PGA Tour's policy board as player director in
August.
The 47-year-old, who has played a limited schedule since
suffering serious leg injuries in a 2021 car crash, also said he
would keep playing until he feels that he can no longer be in
contention for titles
"My game feels rusty. I haven't played in a while," he added.
"There will come a time when I can no longer win. When that time
comes, I will walk away."
Woods has won the unofficial Hero World Challenge tournament in
the Bahamas, which he hosts for the benefit of his foundation,
five times between 2001 and 2011.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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