Since the emergence of LIV Golf, Ireland’s Rory McIlroy has become the main opponent of this competition, although for some time now he has been relying on dialogue with the governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Yasir Al-Rumayyan, to turn the competitions around and get the world of golf moving in the same direction.
The fact is that during the press conference offered this week by the PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, on the occasion of the Tour Championship, he did not want to say anything about how negotiations are developing between the PGA Tour and the PIF for a possible business partnership. He only confirmed that they are moving forward and that there is no deadline to agree on anything.
Monahan no longer seems to fear the financial might of PIF after improving the PGA Tour’s negotiating position through a multi-million dollar deal with Strategic Sports Group, but both fans and some players are growing impatient. Such is the case of Rory McIlroy.
The Irishman was critical Thursday from East Lake and believes it’s time to show progress: “I think anyone who cares about golf should be frustrated. I think anyone who cares about the PGA Tour should be frustrated that we, the royals, are not delivering the best possible product. I think this has gone on long enough. Everyone is trying to find a solution, but it’s hard to get there.”
Rory, who would like duels similar to his against DeChambeau at the last US Open “to be able to happen more than four times a year,” thinks PIF could take a new direction soon: “I think if it doesn’t happen soon, I honestly think PIF and the Saudis will have to look at alternative options, don’t you? I think that’s probably the next step in all of this if something doesn’t get done.”
Mind you, McIlroy is hesitant to predict exactly what the next move in this chess game might be.
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