Rory McIlroy has warned the PGA Tour and LIV Golf that they risk damaging “the health of the professional game” if talks don’t culminate in a merger. In June 2023, it was announced that the two warring organisations had reached a ‘framework agreement’ to join forces.
However, discussions have since stalled and many are now growing impatient with the lack of a resolution. New US President Donald Trump has been called in to become involved, but as it stands, rebel players are still not recognised by the Official Golf World Rankings and we’re no closer to an agreement. Masters champion McIlroy was initially a vociferous critic of the LIV tour, but has since softened his stance and admitted a merger is needed to ensure the top players compete against each other regularly.
The 35-year-old has now reiterated that a deal would benefit the sport. As it stands, the world’s best only come together for major championships, although some LIV players are ineligible to participate in the four biggest events.
“I believe that a deal to bring everyone back together would ultimately be beneficial for the world of golf,” he told CNBC. “I think the longer that you have all the best players, only playing together four times a year, is, you know, long-term detrimental to the game as a whole.”
However, the world No. 2 also insisted the status quo wasn’t under pressure to immediately accept terms. Since the inception of LIV, PGA Tour chiefs have raised prize money at several events and have also backed the TGL competition created by McIlroy and Tiger Woods.
“But at the same time, I look at the momentum that the PGA Tour has this year, and TV ratings are up again,” he added. “And their best players are winning and creating these storylines.
“So I don’t necessarily think the PGA Tour needs to do a deal right this minute. But long term, for the health of the professional game, you know, I think the two sides at some point need to come back together.”
It remains to be seen whether LIV Golf players will participate in the Ryder Cup in Bethpage in September. McIlroy has called for Jon Rahm to be selected for Team Europe after being pivotal to their success in Rome in 2023, despite the Spaniard having declined to pay his PGA Tour fines for joining the Saudi-backed tour.
