‘We need to do a deal’: PGA Tour’s Webb Simpson calls for LIV Golf agreement

Webb Simpson plays an iron shot on day one of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images

A player director of the PGA Tour has admitted it would be “very dangerous” for the organisation not to complete a deal with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. Webb Simpson, speaking after the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, believes the “good of the game” would be harmed if the PGA Tour does not form an alliance with LIV Golf.

Last June’s framework agreement between golf’s existing tours and the PIF has resulted so far in the creation of a new commercial entity, PGA Tour Enterprises, which a US sports ownership conglomerate has invested $1.5bn in. The PIF remains on the outside pending regulatory approval. LIV, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, has continued to coax players from the PGA Tour.