HOYLAKE, England – There has been no shortage of opinions about the framework agreement the PGA Tour struck with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, but even by today’s outspoken standards Ernie Els’ unfiltered take on the deal was jarring.
“If this happened in my day, in my prime, there’s no way [Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] is around,” Els told Sports Illustrated. “No way. And the board has to change. You do s--- like this. I’m sorry, it’s not right. Talk to us, tell us what you’re going to do, plan on negotiating. Don’t just go rogue as a member of the board and come back with a deal and think we’re all going to say yes?