Rory McIlroy is hopeful that the brains of Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s prescence in the White House can help produce a breakthrough to end golf’s civil war.
Despite agreeing a framework deal in June 2023, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are still yet to finalise terms on a deal that would bring an end to the division within men’s professional golf.
Trump, who claimed earlier in the week that it would take him 15 minutes to bring the two sides together, swept to power – and a second Presidential term – after an emphatic victory over Kamala Harris.
His victory could have far-reaching ramifications for golf given the 78-year-old’s keen interest in the sport and business ties with both Saudi Arabia and LIV.
And McIlroy is hopeful that Trump might bring on board Musk to help expedite progress towards a meaningful deal.
‘He might be able to [help get a deal done], the Northern Irishman said, speaking in the Middle East ahead of the DP World Tour’s penultimate event of the season.
‘He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too.
‘I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is. But obviously Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?
‘But I think as the President of the United States again, he’s probably got bigger things to focus on than golf.’
The President-elect could also influence the ongoing US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) investigation into the potential merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) which has proved a major stumbling block in finalising a deal.
Asked if a change in the DOJ’s approach under Trump would help a deal get brokered, McIlroy responded: ‘It would be a huge moment.
‘Obviously given today’s news with what’s happened in America, I think that clears the way a little bit. So we’ll see.’
But the World No.3 was also hesitant to promise anything soon. Reports from The Sun last weekend suggested that a $1bn (£780m) deal between the PGA Tour and LIV had been completed, but McIlroy was unable to substantiate such claims.
‘Yeah, it’s the first that I’ve heard of it,’ he said. ‘I know Jay (Monahan) was in Saudi Arabia last week at the FII (Future Investment Initiative Institute) and was having some meetings.
‘But no, I think I would have heard if there was. I know he’s briefing the transaction committee tonight. So maybe some news comes out of that.
‘But as far as I’m aware, I haven’t heard a thing.’
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