Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Rory McIlroy Suggests Trump’s Return Could Accelerate Golf’s Saudi Merger Talks

 



Rory McIlroy has raised the possibility that a Donald Trump re-election could speed up the ongoing discussions between traditional golf tours and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major backer of LIV Golf. McIlroy even hinted that tech mogul Elon Musk could play a pivotal role in the complex merger process.

For some time, the prospect of Trump returning to the White House has been linked to potential changes in the world of professional golf, particularly due to his longstanding business connections with Saudi Arabia and his previous involvement in hosting events for the PGA Tour. The framework agreement announced in June 2023, which aimed to bring together rival factions in golf, has made slow progress, partly due to the scrutiny from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Saudi investments in mainstream sports.

In response to recent developments, McIlroy dismissed reports that a deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudis was imminent. However, he acknowledged that Trump's return to office might make it easier to move forward. "Given today’s news with what has happened in America, I think that clears the way a little bit. So we’ll see," McIlroy said, adding that it would be a “huge moment” if the DOJ becomes more open to a formal agreement.

Trump has previously claimed he could unite the professional golf world in a matter of minutes. McIlroy was cautious but intrigued by this idea. “He might be able to,” McIlroy said. "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." The Northern Irish golfer emphasized that while golf’s current struggles might seem simple from the outside, the complexities of the situation are far deeper. He also acknowledged Trump’s strong ties to Saudi Arabia and his passion for golf, though he doubted Trump would focus on the sport if he were re-elected, given his broader presidential responsibilities.

The potential political impact on golf extends beyond the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. For the Royal & Ancient (R&A), which governs the Open Championship, Trump’s ownership of the Turnberry golf resort has led to a long-standing refusal to bring the prestigious event back to the Ayrshire course since he acquired it in 2014. As of now, Turnberry’s return to the Open’s rotation appears unlikely, with Portmarnock Golf Club in Ireland reportedly nearing inclusion in the list of possible venues.

McIlroy was speaking in the Middle East ahead of his final tournaments of the DP World Tour season. Currently leading the points table, McIlroy is looking to secure his sixth Race to Dubai title, aiming for a third consecutive win. “Going for my third in a row, trying to go for six overall, it’s a pretty meaningful thing to do,” McIlroy shared. He also expressed his long-term goal of surpassing Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight titles.

As McIlroy focuses on cementing his legacy in European golf, the sport itself could be on the brink of a transformative shift, depending on the outcome of broader political and financial negotiations.

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