There is a lot of dissatisfaction in the golf world with the current situation of the PGA Tour-PIF merger.

Much of it stems from the substantial delay that is present in the negotiations surrounding the framework agreement. At the center of it all is the PGA Tour Policy Board, headed by Player Director Tiger Woods. But it’s not all roses and sunshine for the group of golfers, as the 48-year-old took to reveal the stark reality behind being a director.

The athlete was spotted in an interview following his second round at the ongoing PGA Championship. He went ahead to mention how being a professional as well as a Player Director “are equally important” to him while divulging the difficulties in juggling the various responsibilities involving the same.

“Playing and my responsibilities as a player director, whether it’s on the policy board or it’s on the enterprise board. All three are important in their own different ways,” disclosed the golfer when he was queried about whether his role as a director on both boards was more important than being a golfer. Mr. T was appointed as the sixth Player Director back in August 2023 and is currently the only one without a time limit. Moreover, he was also made Vice Chairman of the for-profit entity that came about as a result of the deal with SSG.

USA Today via Reuters

Woods also went ahead to mention how they have a tight schedule because of the three roles that the six athletes, including him, Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati, Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, and Jordan Spieth have to juggle; “If you ask any of the player directors, we just don’t sleep much. There’s a lot of late nights and Zoom calls at odd hours of the night, all throughout the night, and lots of e-mails to read.”

Although Woods failed to make the cut being T139 with a score of 7-over par, much below the projected cut line, he made sure to express his desire to continue playing the sport. Neither did he shy away from highlighting the importance of fulfilling the extra duties that come about aside from golfing; “One, for me playing for pride and what I can do out here, but also off the golf course the impact and responsibility that I have as a player director and as a representative of the players and what I can do off the golf course to help this tour.” The 15-time major champ’s assurance, meanwhile, comes at the right timing, especially after the resignation of one of the independent directors.

Jimmy Dunne’s resignation from the Board involving Tiger Woods

Just two days before the start of the major, Jimmy Dunne, a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board, sent in his letter of resignation. He did so while mentioning how there has been “no meaningful progress” made towards the negotiation talks while dubbing his vote and role as “utterly superfluous.”

Tiger Woods, however, did not agree with the Vice Chairman of Piper Sandler. When asked about whether he had a similar view, the 82-time PGA Tour champ was quick to deny the same with a resounding “No.” He added, “Jimmy and the amount of work and dedication that he put into the board and to the PGA Tour, it’s been incredible. It was a bit surprising that he resigned yesterday and just how it all came about, but, no, his role and his help, then what he’s been able to do for the PGA Tour has been great.”

At this point in time, many in the community are hopeful of one thing: a better future for the sport as a whole. Well, it looks like even Woods had a similar thought when becoming a Player Director when he optimistically said, “These are all things that I signed up for as a player director and ways that I can help, and hopefully I can make that impact and we’ve done that so far, and hopefully we can make more of an impact.”