Rory McIlroy has revealed what he thinks the stumbling blocks are over the PGA Tour agreeing a deal with LIV Golf’s Saudi backers.
Rory McIlroy has revealed what he thinks the stumbling blocks are over a peace deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi PIF.
Speaking before the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, a poorly McIlroy, 35, claimed officials from the tours are rowing in the same direction.
But in his view, half of the PGA Tour players and 50 per cent of the LIV Golf membership don’t want lightning to strike.
In other words, they are looking out for their own interests.
Another stumbling block is the U.S. Department of Justice, McIlroy said.
The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi PIF (LIV’s backers) entered into a framework agreement on 6 June 2023.
A deadline of 31 December 2023 passed with reports the sides were still miles apart.
Talks between the parties resumed last week in New York.
McIlroy wasn’t involved in those meetings but he’s still hopeful.
“I’d say maybe half the players on LIV want the deal to get done [and] half probably don’t,” McIlroy said.
“I’d say it’s probably similar on the PGA Tour. Because just like anything, everyone’s looking out for themselves and their best interests.
“You know, it would benefit some people for a deal not to get done, but it would obviously benefit some people for a deal to get done.”
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy added: “I think there’s different opinions amongst the players about what should happen, and I think when you have a members’ run organisation, it complicates things a little bit, especially when should of those players are having to make decisions on the business side of things.
“So those are the two. I think the tours want it to happen. The investors certainly want it to happen because they can see the benefit for themselves.
“But right now, it’s [the] DOJ and differing opinions of the players.”
McIlroy has been handed an 8.45am tee time on Thursday for the flagship DP World Tour event.
He is playing alongside Justin Rose and defending champion Ryan Fox.
McIlroy last won here in 2014.
He is battling a cough that he picked up from his daughter Poppy, he said, but is now feeling much better after a course of antibiotics.
“I’ll be a bit wheezy this week but nothing I can’t handle,” he said.
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