In Orlando, Florida, Rory McIlroy voiced his opinion that the optimal outcome for professional golf would be if the PGA Tour finalized a deal with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, as it would reunify the world’s top players. However, McIlroy noted that the PGA Tour is not in dire need of this agreement due to its current strong momentum, as he shared his thoughts ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Recently, key figures in the golf world, including PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott, engaged in discussions at the White House with former President Donald Trump to explore potential agreements. These meetings also involved prominent figures such as Tiger Woods and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Monahan emphasized the significance of unifying the sport, though no timeline for future meetings or announcements was given ahead of The Players Championship.
A prominent challenge in the discussions has been blending LIV’s team-focused concept with traditional individual play on the PGA Tour. With LIV’s structure involving 12 teams supported by investors and sponsors, which culminates in a team championship, this aspect needs careful consideration. McIlroy attributed the slow progress in negotiations partly to this challenge, likening it to a dance requiring both parties to be in sync.
While McIlroy wasn’t directly involved in the White House talks, he plays a role in the PGA Tour Enterprises’ transaction subcommittee, which deals with negotiations with the Saudis. Initially, a staunch critic of LIV Golf, McIlroy shifted his stance somewhat after witnessing fellow player Jon Rahm’s switch to the rival league. This change of perspective helped spur meetings with Al-Rumayyan, eventually leading to a provisional framework agreement mid-2023.
Highlighting the current momentum within the PGA Tour, McIlroy pointed out enhanced television ratings and the success of the TMRW Golf League, which broadcasts primetime events on ESPN. He indicated that while an agreement with LIV might benefit golf globally, the PGA Tour itself isn’t necessarily in need of one.
Reflecting on recent developments, McIlroy acknowledged that the possibility of a deal has seemed distant, and negotiations appear to lack forward momentum. He urged players resistant to welcoming back LIV golfers to adjust their perspectives to aid progression in the sport.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf is continuing its schedule with events planned in Hong Kong and Singapore, marking its expansion with a broader international scope than in previous seasons. It will make its first U.S. appearance of the year right before the Masters at Trump Doral in Miami. With a new television partnership with Fox, LIV’s trajectory seems to be shifting towards growth, presenting questions about how many of its participants would be inclined to return to the PGA Tour. U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, currently in Hong Kong, expressed optimism about LIV’s growth prospects.
