As a move toward becoming a player-driven organization, the PGA Tour made the statement on Tuesday, August 1. Tiger Woods joins the policy board as the sixth Player Director, joining current Player Directors Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati, Rory McIlroy, Webb Simpson, with five independent directors and the PGA of America Director on the board.

Professional golfer Tiger Woods

According to the release, Woods and the board “will work together to amend the policy board’s governing documents to make it clear that no major decision can be made in the future without the prior involvement and approval of the player directors."

Since the tour's decision to ban players from talks with Saudi investors, players have been inconsolable and have been working for weeks behind the scenes to find solutions to all of their various issues. In a letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan on Monday, 41 players—among them Tiger Woods—said that the sport is at a turning point and that more voice in the tour's future is necessary. 

In the press release, they also states that the board's complete authority to accept or reject the proposed agreement with the Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF). Players sought to confirm that control over the future of the tour was truly in their own hands after feeling misinformed during the development of the framework agreement in late May and early June.

Tiger Woods expressed his honor at speaking on behalf of the Tour players in a statement issued by the PGA Tour.

He said, as per the PGA Tour “I am honored to represent the players of the PGA TOUR. This is a critical point for the TOUR, and the players will do their best to make certain that any changes that are 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” he added.

In a letter to PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan, pro golfers demanded that Tiger Woods fill the vacant seat on the  PGA Tour policy board

PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan praised Woods and said, “Tiger’s voice and leadership throughout his career have contributed immeasurably to the success of the PGA TOUR, and to apply both to our governance and go-forward plan at this crucial time is even more welcomed and impactful.”

“I am committed to taking the necessary steps to restore any lost trust or confidence that occurred as a result of the surprise announcement of our Framework Agreement. My job in the negotiations – in partnership with our Player Directors, PAC and the broader membership – is to advocate for what is best for the PGA TOUR members today and in the future. Any agreement we reach must be shaped by our members’ input and approval earned through our Player Directors.”