Rory McIlroy has spoken with Donald Trump about the merger (Image: Getty Images)
is stirring the pot once again in the world of golf after sharing his dissatisfaction with ‘s exclusive format with , despite earlier praising the league. The president is reportedly primed to play a pivotal role in settling the escalating fray within the sport.
Golf has been split following the debut of LIV in 2022 after marquee players like Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and Bryson DeChambeau left the to join the Saudi-backed series. In June 2023, a temporary truce was brokered among the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) -LIV’s backers – aiming to bring the sport back together.
Despite the preliminary handshake coming nearly two years ago, the deal still remains unfinished. Trump, was named United States President once more last month, has boasted that he could untangle the golf quandary in mere “15 minutes”.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott recently sat down with Trump at the White House, clocking in a 40-minute dialogue about golf’s route forward. Trump’s involvement in those talks left all parties feeling optimistic about a conclusive resolution being reached.
When probed regarding the U.S. President’s engagement, McIlroy underscored his significance due to his direct line to Mohammed bin Salman, the power behind the Saudi throne and chief of PIF’s governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
“The President, he can do a lot of things,” McIlroy explained when asked about how Trump’s can influence talks. “He has direct access to Yasir’s boss, not many people have that. Not many people can say, ‘I want you to get this deal done – and by the way, I’m speaking to your boss there, and I’m going to tell him the same thing’.
Don’t miss…
Donald Trump has been drafted into talks over the merger (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“So, there’s a few things that he can do. He can be influential. He loves the game of golf. When I was playing with Sheikh Hamdan of Abu Dhabi the day that he got elected in November. The respect he has in the Middle East, I don’t think people appreciate how much respect that he has there. I think whenever he says something, they listen.
“Yeah I played golf with him a few weeks ago. It was great, really good. I thought we had a good discussion. I learnt that he’s not a fan of the LIV format. I was like, ‘But you’ve hosted their events? ‘ He was like, ‘Yeah but it doesn’t mean I like it! ‘ I think he’s on the (PGA) Tour side.”
These comments from McIlroy come as something as a shock though considering Trump’s former commendations for LIV Golf. In May 2023, Trump lauded the Saudi-sponsored league for its impact, stating: “It’s been great publicity for Saudi Arabia. They’ve been great for golf. The Saudis have been fantastic for golf. And they’re going to make it a big part of, inside their country, they’re going to do some great courses.”
Rory McIlroy has opened up on his talks with Trump (Image: Getty)
Post-election, McIlroy seemed optimistic about Trump’s influence on a deal being struck, saying: “He might be able to (get a deal done). He’s got , 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.”
Additionally, from an outsider’s perspective, he noted: “Yeah, 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?
“It’s just a positive thing that the President of the United States is such a lover of the game of golf and understands some of the challenges facing the professional game at the moment.”
Emphasising the current state of affairs in the golfing world, he concluded: “Given how things are sitting with the Department of Justice among the professional game, this is all crazy stuff, he’s a lover of the game and hopefully will be very helpful for the professional game and help everybody move forward.”
This article originally appeared on