NBA icon Charles Barkley has criticized the powers that be for dragging their feet over finalizing a deal between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).
The golfing world has been split since the emergence of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf, with PGA Tour chiefs imposing bans on any player who takes part in the LIV events. In a surprising turn last June, Tour commissioner Jay Monahan revealed a tentative agreement with PIF, which seemed to signal a potential resolution to the ongoing dispute between the competing tours.
However, more than 16 months later, those involved in the discussions have still not formalized an agreement.
The drawn-out negotiations have left both golf enthusiasts and professionals exasperated, and now basketball legend Barkley has voiced his frustration. Speaking to SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio, Barkley expressed his annoyance: “I wish these fools would quit screwing around, LIV and the PGA Tour,” he said.
(Image: (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images))
Barkley, who is well-acquainted with the internal conflict within golf after considering a switch from TNT to LIV’s commentary team in 2022, continued his critique: “I don’t know what the hell they’re doing. They’re so stupid. These guys are so idiotic. They need to be playing against each other [more than] the majors. It would be beneficial for both tours.”
Reports had indicated that LIV officials were earnestly pursuing Barkley and had extended a serious offer to him.
Barkley has previously criticized those in power, with Tour boss Monahan often bearing the brunt. This month saw the first public meeting between Monahan and LIV chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, after the two leaders competed together at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
The atmosphere appeared upbeat, with the pair frequently seen sharing a laugh as they strolled down the fairways. Rory McIlroy, who also participated in the DP World Tour event, had the opportunity to play alongside Al-Rumayyan.
McIlroy, often at the heart of the drama between the two tours, has developed a solid relationship with Monahan. Speaking in Scotland this month, he urged patience.
“It’s a great thing and a good sign that Jay and Yasir are playing together on Thursday,” he told the BBC.
“I think it is a step in the right direction. Time will tell if things go in the direction I want them to or a lot of people want them to. I think we all understand it is not easy and, you know, change for the most part in golf is resisted because it is such a traditional sport..”
“Maybe it is going too slow for the people who follow golf. But I think in the business world deals of this size take time. You know, you are talking about billions of dollars changing hands, different jurisdictions in the Middle East, US and Europe.”
“It’s a pretty complicated deal, but I think we’ll know more by the year’s end hopefully. We are in October, so three months to get something done and start 2025 with enthusiasm and all move forward together.”
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