With tensions still lingering, Rory McIlroy urges the golf world to move on—while Jay Monahan remains cautiously optimistic about sealing the deal.
After months of speculation, uncertainty, and power struggles, optimism is growing around a potential merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
While no official agreement has been finalized, recent discussions—including a notable meeting between PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, veteran golfer Adam Scott, and former U.S. President Donald Trump—have fueled fresh hope that golf’s civil war could finally come to an end.
Monahan, who has previously expressed confidence in reaching a resolution, remains cautiously optimistic, warning that until a deal is signed, nothing is guaranteed.
“I don’t think you’re ever close until you’re finalized,” Monahan said, as quoted by SB Nation.
“I would say this: Everything is moving forward with pace, and I think there’s a general — when you look at all the parties involved, there’s a general enthusiasm for getting this [deal] done.”
Yet, behind the scenes, sticking points remain. The negotiations are complex, with both sides likely making demands that are difficult to satisfy.
Rory McIlroy: It’s Time to Move Forward
Few players have been as outspoken about the PGA Tour-LIV Golf conflict as Rory McIlroy. Once one of LIV’s harshest critics, the Northern Irishman has since softened his stance, acknowledging that the Saudi-backed tour is now an undeniable part of golf’s future.
For McIlroy, the biggest challenge is no longer ideological—it’s about moving on and rebuilding the game as a unified sport.
“From my viewpoint, I don’t think it’s complicated at all,” McIlroy stated bluntly.
The four-time major winner believes that holding onto past grievances is a waste of time, and that both sides must now focus on the bigger picture.
“I think everyone’s just got to get over it, and we all have to say, ‘OK, this is the starting point, and we move forward. We don’t look behind us. We don’t look to the past.’”
The Path to Unification: Can Golf Finally Heal?
McIlroy’s words reflect a growing desire for unity, not just among players but also within the broader golfing community.
While many on the PGA Tour initially resented players who defected to LIV Golf, McIlroy is making it clear: resentment won’t help the sport grow.
“Whatever’s happened has happened, and it’s been unfortunate, but reunification—how we all come back together and move forward—is the best thing for everyone.”
The question now is whether key stakeholders—including the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and PIF—can find common ground and finalize the merger without further delays or complications.
What Happens Next?
While progress is being made, golf remains stuck in limbo until an official agreement is reached.
With financial, legal, and structural hurdles still in play, the coming weeks could be make-or-break for the future of professional golf.
But if Monahan’s cautious optimism and McIlroy’s forward-thinking approach are any indication, the sport could finally be on the verge of healing its biggest divide in history.
