The potential merger between the PGA Tour and the PIF has been hanging in the balance for almost two years now, with golf enthusiasts worldwide eagerly waiting for the ink to dry. However, the recent flurry of activity, including a pivotal meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House, has reinvigorated the conversation.
In a surprising twist, Rory McIlroy, a known critic of LIV, has thrown a wrench into the proceedings. Just before the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy voiced his belief that the PGA Tour doesn’t necessarily require a deal with LIV. His change of stance is bound to unsettle some of the PGA Tour’s key investors.
Andy Lack, in an interview on the Inside Golf Podcast, shed some light on the situation. Lack expressed astonishment at McIlroy’s comments given that the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) had invested a substantial sum, with the expectation of a deal materializing. He pointed out that the SSG’s heavy hitters, including the likes of Marc Lasry and John Henry, had poured in a whopping $3 billion expecting the PIF to reciprocate with an investment in the PGA Tour’s product.
Despite the controversy, a notable development has been the burgeoning admiration between McIlroy and Donald Trump. This newfound camaraderie was evident when McIlroy was seen in the company of Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, at the Genesis Invitational Pro-Am. Kai shared a snapshot of their outing, and even a YouTube video trailer of their round, on her official Instagram account.
In a recent statement, Trump did not mince words about his high regard for McIlroy. He commended the Northern Irishman’s golfing prowess and his recent victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Trump even went on to predict McIlroy as one of the front runners at the PLAYERS Championship.
Interestingly, McIlroy seems to have softened his stance towards both the league and Trump over time. He recently opened up about Trump’s considerable influence, particularly in the ongoing unification talks between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He recounted their discussion during a round of golf in February, where Trump voiced his support for the PGA Tour and his disapproval of LIV Golf’s 54-hole format, team elements, and shotgun starts.
McIlroy also acknowledged Trump’s significant influence, especially in the Middle East, where his words carry considerable weight. Recognizing Trump’s unique access to influential figures like Yasir Al-Rumayyan, McIlroy stated, “He can be influential”.
As the future of golf hangs in the balance, this burgeoning relationship between McIlroy and Trump could prove instrumental in shaping the outcome.