Several high-profile names are set to compete at this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Scotland’s east coast.
Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel have been joined by 14 LIV Golf stars as well as several big names from outside the sport.
Another interesting dynamic has emerged with Jay Monahan and PIF chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan playing together at Carnoustie on Thursday.
And Golf Channel commentator Smylie Kaufman believes the news can only be a good thing as talks between the PIF and PGA Tour rumble on.
Smylie Kaufman reacts as PIF-PGA Tour news emerges from St Andrews
Speaking on the latest edition of the Smylie show, Kaufman was thrilled to hear that some of the game’s most significant decision-makers were coming together.
“We can talk about this a little bit more on Monday,” Kaufman said. “You can only see this as a positive. For all the folks saying, maybe these discussions aren’t going anywhere, maybe they aren’t.
“But this seems to be like the treaty of Dunhill, and it’s happening at St Andrews, the home of golf.”
Rory McIlroy also pleased as PIF and PGA Tour chiefs come together
As officials from each side meet at St Andrews, McIlroy has also expressed his delight at some of the prominent decision-makers being forced to come together.
“I think what Johann Rupert, the man who runs this event, is trying to do is just bring the golf world back together a little bit.
“If we need to be forced together in some way, he’s trying to do that. I think it will be good. It’s certainly a step in the right direction.
“They (Monahan and Rumayyan) both want the same thing too. It’s a matter of getting all the different constituents on board.”
Upon the conclusion of the event on Sunday, Monahan will no doubt be quizzed on conversations he had with Al-Rumayyan whilst behind the ropes.
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