As usual, Tiger at the center of Tour's present – and future
Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav
Deep Dive
Why did Tiger Woods decide not to play in the Hero World Challenge?
Tiger Woods is not playing in the Hero World Challenge because he is not ready to compete at the level required against top players. He is still recovering from his latest back procedure and feels he is not sharp enough to compete.
What is the status of Tiger Woods' back injury?
Tiger Woods' back injury was more serious than he let on during the summer. He experienced pain coursing down his legs, and treatments failed to bring relief. He described the year as a 'toss away' due to his disappointing results and multiple missed cuts.
What role is Tiger Woods playing in the PGA Tour's negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund?
Tiger Woods is serving as a spokesperson and a member of the policy board for the PGA Tour in its negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund. He is one of the key voices in the room, discussing changes to the Tour and the potential merger with LIV Golf.
What is the current state of the negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund?
The negotiations are ongoing but have not reached a concrete agreement. Tiger Woods expressed a wish for more progress but acknowledged that the Department of Justice's involvement is complicating the process. He seemed resigned to the fact that the deal might not achieve the PGA Tour's initial goals.
What is the controversy surrounding Ryder Cup pay-for-play?
The controversy involves whether Ryder Cup players should be paid for their participation. Tiger Woods argued that players deserve to be paid, ideally through charity donations. However, the Telegraph reported that U.S. players could receive $400,000 each, which some European players criticized as greedy.
How has Scottie Scheffler's performance been at the Hero World Challenge?
Scottie Scheffler has been a strong contender at the Hero World Challenge, having finished runner-up in the previous year. He used the event as a springboard for his historic season in 2024, and he is taking the event seriously as part of his preparation for 2025.
What is the speculation around LIV Golf potentially signing more PGA Tour players?
There is speculation that LIV Golf may sign additional PGA Tour players, similar to last year's high-profile signing of Jon Rahm. The absence of certain players from the Hero World Challenge and rumors around Tony Finau's potential move have fueled these speculations.
Shownotes Transcript