Rory McIlroy issues Saudi money warning to PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy has urged the PGA Tour to expedite its negotiations with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia or risk losing out on the sovereign wealth fund’s investment altogether.

Speaking to the media after the opening round of the Tour Championship at East Lake, McIlroy pulled no punches in his assessment of the US-based circuit’s protracted negotiations with the Middle Eastern bankrollers of the LIV Golf League, insisting that time is running out to strike a deal.

Asked how frustrated he is that negotiations have dragged on as long as they have, the world No.3 responded: “I think anyone that cares about golf, I think has to be frustrated.

“I get the argument that these guys left and that was their choice and whatever. I just think that it’s gone on long enough.

“I think everyone is trying to find a solution. It’s just a solution is hard to get to.”

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McIlroy was one of the most vocal critics of LIV but has softened his stance since it emerged that the PGA Tour was attempting to broker a peace deal behind the backs of its players.

Now, he insists that compromise is the only way forward.

“Even though I was on the wrong side of things, like the US Open with Bryson and I, you’re only really going to get that four times a year at most,” he added. “I think the game of golf deserves having those sort of things happen more than just four times a year.”

He added: “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 this if something doesn’t get done.”

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McIlroy’s comments come after PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan issued another frustratingly evasive update earlier this week, which offered little in the way of material information.

“We have the right people at the table with the right mindset,” said Monahan. “I see that in all of these conversations, and that’s both sides. That creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together.

“But at the same time, these conversations are complex. They’re going to take time. They have taken time, and they will continue to take time.”

If McIlroy is right, there’s not much more of that to play with.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor