Board member who quit PGA Tour over LIV Golf deal lands new role

Former PGA Tour Policy Board member Jimmy Dunne is making a comeback to the golf world, following his resignation from the Tour earlier this year due to stalled progress on a deal with the backers of LIV Golf ; the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF). Dunne, who was instrumental in crafting the PGA Tour's framework agreement with PIF, has now joined Troon Golf's Board of Directors.

Troon is a significant force in the golf industry, managing nearly 1,000 clubs worldwide. The appointment of the ex-PGA Tour chief was announced in a press release on Thursday. Troon President and CEO Tim Schantz said: "We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy Dunne to Troon's board."

He added: "His leadership, experience, business acumen and passion for golf will help the company continue to touch new areas in and around golf and golf-related hospitality. Jimmy's commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with Troon's vision, and we're confident he'll have a strong impact on the company."

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Dunne also shared his enthusiasm about his new role. "I'm excited to join the Board of Troon and work closely with Tim and the rest of his terrific team," he stated. "I have always enjoyed playing the Troon golf courses and the more I've learned about the entire company, the more impressed I have become by all its offerings. I'm looking forward to helping Troon any way I possibly can."

Dunne comes to the table with a wealth of experience, having been central to the high-stakes talks between the PGA Tour and PIF, which promise to revolutionize golf by unifying the American circuit with LIV Golf.

Having played a critical role in brokering a deal in 2023, Dunne decided to resign this May, amid apparent dissatisfaction with the direction of discussions between the two factions. In his parting words penned in a resignation letter, he expressed his disillusionment: "When I arrived on the board in January 2023, everybody involved with the game was concerned about the fundamental threat of LIV Golf."

With guidance from Commissioner Monahan, Dunne delved into discussions with LIV's main backer, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, aiming to quell legal battles and rebuild unity within the sport.

Last summer, Dunne testified before the US Senate's Department of Justice regarding the PGA Tour's intentions with PIF. Concluding his remarks, he stated: "During my testimony at the Senate hearing, I said it was my intention to cast my vote alongside the Player Directors if a final agreement was reached with the PIF."

"Since the players now outnumber the Independent Directors on the Board, and no meaningful progress has been made towards a transaction with the PIF, I feel like my vote and my role is utterly superfluousI believe that history will look favorably on this outcome and the very real opportunities now afforded the Tour."