‘I Think We’ll Get There’ – Billionaire PGA Tour Investor Expects PGA Tour/PIF To Strike Deal
The Strategic Sports Group’s Steve Cohen thinks the PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund can agree a deal on the future of the men’s elite game


It is now close to 18 months since news broke that the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) that finances LIV Golf were working on a deal to bring both parties together to drive the direction of the men’s elite game.
Much has changed at the top of the game since that momentous day, including a $3bn investment in the PGA Tour from US consortium the Strategic Sports Group (SSG). However, one thing that has remained stubbornly out of reach is a definitive agreement between the PGA Tour and PIF on a way forward.
While the golf world awaits further developments on the progress of the discussions, one of the members of the SSG, billionaire Steve Cohen, believes a deal will come to fruition.
Per Bloomberg, the hedge fund manager, who is also co-investor in TGL’s New York Golf Club, explained during a media event in New York on Monday that even though the deal is complex, he is optimistic about getting it done. He said: “It’s a lot of moving parts and I think we’ll get there.”
Cohen also explained that, ultimately, the plan is to heal the significant fractures at the top of the men’s game following the emergence of LIV Golf after many of the world’s top players opted to sign for the big-money circuit rather than continue on the PGA Tour. He added: “The goal is to reunite all the players - it’s fragmented right now.”
In September, Bloomberg reported a potential sticking point in the deal was how players who had signed lucrative contracts with LIV Golf could be reintegrated onto the PGA Tour, where they are currently suspended.
However, the following month there were encouraging signs that previously frosty relations were thawing further when PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan were paired together at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan were paired at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Cohen, who was seen at a New York Mets with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman in March, is not the only person close to the inner workings of the top level of men’s golf who believes a deal is within reach.
Later in October, Daniel Van Otterdijk, the group chief communications officer at DP World, which sponsors the European Tour, told Gulf News: “We’re confident that within the next six months they’ll come up with a structure that befits world golf in a much better way than what we currently have. But, of course, there are legacy issues to sort out.”
Deals season is upon us so be sure to check out our early picks for the best Black Friday golf deals as selected by our team of experts.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
10 Reasons Why Bobby Jones Was The Greatest Amateur Of All Time
The American left an incredible golfing legacy through his exploits on and off the course. Here are 10 reasons why he was the greatest ever amateur.
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Finally! Rory McIlroy's New Nike Shoes Have Arrived And Here Is How You Can Get Them
After months of waiting, the latest Victory Tour shoes have gone on sale, and here I have detailed how you can get a pair.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Alejandro Tosti Fires Back After Slow Play Accusation At Houston Open
Tosti has responded to claims that he was deliberately playing slowly to put off playing partner, Min Woo Lee, during the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open
By Matt Cradock Published
-
PGA Tour Pro Wraps Up Masters Spot In Incredibly Tight Affair
Michael Kim edged out Ben Griffin to qualify for The Masters via his world ranking following a tense battle between the pair in the Houston Open
By Mike Hall Published
-
Gary Woodland Produces Best PGA Tour Finish Since Return From Brain Surgery
The 2019 US Open champion had brain surgery to remove a benign tumor in 2023, with a T2 at the Texas Children's Houston Open his best finish since returning at the start of last year
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reveals Issue With Right Elbow Ahead Of Latest Masters Challenge
The four-time Major winner revealed to the Golf Channel he has discomfort in his right elbow, less than two weeks before his latest attempt to win the Green Jacket
By Mike Hall Published
-
Why Does Min Woo Lee Say 'Let Him Cook'?
The PGA Tour star has a popular catchphrase, but what are its origins?
By Mike Hall Published
-
How Eugenio Chacarra Can Qualify For A PGA Tour Card Following Indian Open Success
Eugenio Chacarra secured his DP World Tour card with victory at the Hero Indian Open, but what does it mean for his chances of making it to the PGA Tour?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Min Woo Lee Holds Off Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland To Win Texas Children's Houston Open
The Australian claimed a one stroke victory at the Texas Children's Houston Open, with Lee securing his maiden PGA Tour title in a thrilling final day
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Tony Finau Misses 3-Inch Putt In Costly Houston Open Gaffe
The six-time PGA Tour winner had a nightmare moment on the 15th during the third round at Memorial Park Golf Course
By Mike Hall Published