Rory McIlroy has predicted what LIV Golf are going to do in the future as the Northern Irishman gets set to engage in fresh talks with the PIF.
A year has now passed since a framework agreement between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed venture emerged, news that sent shockwaves across the sport.
However, with deadlines passed, frustration from PGA Tour members has grown, and it’s understood McIlroy [via video call], Tiger Woods, and the PGA Tour’s transaction committee are set to engage in talks with the PIF in New York on Friday, June 7.
The four-time major winner will be desperate for the latest round of discussions to conclude with some sort of breakthrough.
Rory McIlroy predicts what LIV Golf will do next
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McIlroy has always been a staunch PGA Tour loyalist. Although he’s undoubtedly warmed to the idea of LIV’s presence, there can be no doubting the Northern Irishman’s feeling toward the breakaway league.
Greg Norman’s venture, at the moment, isn’t going anywhere, and McIlroy has admitted to SI’s Bob Harig that collaboration between the two tours could occur.
“Looking a few years down the line, LIV is going to continue to sort of keep going down its path,” McIlroy explained. “But hopefully with maybe more of a collaboration or an understanding between the tours.”
The Northern Irishman even suggested there could be a scenario where players are able to participate in both tours.
He added: “Maybe there is some cross-pollenation there where players can start to play on both. I guess that will all be talked about in the coming weeks.”
PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger would divide golf
The central issue surrounding LIV Golf’s presence comes from its financial backing. Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and other humanitarian issues mean any agreement with the PIF will completely split opinion.
With the Saudis looking to invest in other sports, such as tennis and football, the country’s presence on the sporting ladder is only going to increase in the coming years.
If the PGA Tour were to allow LIV Golf players back into events, it would leave a bitter taste, considering the money the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm have received from a heavily criticised investment arm.
Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour’s PR team must have the correct answers lined up if McIlroy’s suggestion does play out.
Traditional PGA Tour commentators and those who are staunchly against Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global sporting stage won’t hold back in their criticism.
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