Rory McIlroy: World number two says deal between PGA Tour and LIV Golf not ‘any closer’
Rory McIlroy said despite the conversation between PGA Tour, LIV Golf and U.S. President Donald Trump, he believes that the agreement to reach a golf is “close”.
The sport has been shattering since the launch of Saudi Arabian-backed Liv Golf in 2022 and has recruited leading players from some sports from the PGA Tour, including Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.
Discussions on the possible merger began in June 2023, and in February, the PGA Tour held “constructive” talks with Liv Golf Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and President Trump at the White House.
At the Genesis Open, 15-time minority champion Tiger Woods said he believes the gap will “recover quickly” after negotiations.
However, McIlroy doesn’t think the PGA Tour “needs” to reach a deal and says any plan to unify the sport is still far from realization.
“I don’t think it’s ever been that close, but it doesn’t feel closer,” said McIlroy of Northern Ireland.
“I think the narrative about golf will welcome an agreement with the best players.
“But I don’t think the PGA Tour needs a deal.”
