Rory McIlroy expresses frustration with the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the financial supporter of LIV Golf. McIlroy believes that time is running out for the two parties to reach an agreement.
Speaking after his round at the Tour Championship, McIlroy stated, “I think if it doesn’t happen soon, then honestly, I think PIF and the Saudis are going to have to look at alternative options, right? I’d say that’s the next step in all of this if something doesn’t get done.”
Despite McIlroy’s involvement in the negotiations, little progress seems to have been made since the initial announcement of a partnership between the Tour, the DP World Tour, and the PIF last summer. Negotiations have surpassed their deadline, with no new timeline in place.
It remains unclear what is causing the delay in negotiations, with reported “sticking points” related to team golf and potential discipline for LIV Golf members returning to the Tour. McIlroy expressed disappointment in the lack of progress, stating, “I thought there would have been more progress made, which is unfortunate. I think at this point, everyone’s just getting bored of it, just getting tired of it. I think it’s become a bit of a cloud over golf. But a very niche cloud, y’know?”
As talks continue, McIlroy voiced his concern over the lack of willingness from some parties to resolve the issue, adding, “I wish more would have been done, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of willingness from some people to try to fix it.”