Rory McIlroy is among the star players taking on the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews this week.
But he certainly isn’t the only high-profile name in Scotland, with McIlroy set to be joined by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
The PIF runs the breakaway LIV Golf tour, which has signed up several PGA Tour players since its inception.
McIlroy has been a leading critic of the breakaway tour over the years, although the Northern Irishman has softened his stance in more recent times.
It comes as the four-time major champion looks to bring an end to the battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
Golf fans react as Rory McIlroy and PIF chief set for Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
As reported by BBC Sport, McIlroy will play with Monahan on Friday, before teeing up with Al-Rumayyan on Saturday, with the two chiefs set to compete in the same four-ball on Thursday.
The Northern Irishman will also play with his father Gerry in the pro-am event, along with Dunhill chief Johann Rupert, who invited Al-Rumayyan to St Andrews.
Golf fans are now reacting to the intriguing decision to partner McIlroy with Monahan and Al-Rumayyan, with one writing on X: “Hopefully they’ll discuss more than just their birdie count. Fascinating dynamics in play for golf’s future.”
Other intrigued fans said: “Well, looks like that’ll be a fun walk around the greens!” and “Who knew golf could double as a diplomatic summit?”
Another golf follower noted: “Look like they’re teeing up for more than just golf,” with another saying: “Who picked these groups, an improv comedy troupe? This should be both hilarious and intriguing.”
One fan even suggested what would be a shock defection to LIV Golf for McIlroy, noting: “McIlroy will be an awesome addition to the LIV tour.”
What is the latest between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf?
Monahan and Al-Rumayyan helped engender the framework agreement last summer, ending the litigation between the tours.
But negotiations since then have not yet reached a conclusion, with Adam Scott predicting a reunion in 2027 for the world’s top golfers.
The world’s best players continue to compete at different events amid the ongoing tussle, although LIV Golf players are able to play at the DP World Tour event this week.
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A total of 14 LIV Golf stars will compete at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, with the likes of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton among the high-profile names.
A positive step in discussions could, of course, be made given the appearances of Monahan and Al-Rumayyan Scotland this week, in what is certainly a major moment in the ongoing saga.
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