PGA Tour board members engaged in negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund are scheduled to meet with the Saudi leader affiliated with the competing LIV Golf venture on Monday.
Rory McIlroy expressed his belief that such a meeting should have occurred much earlier, emphasizing a desire for productive dialogue with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the head of the Public Investment Fund, contrasting him with Greg Norman and other figures linked to LIV Golf, whom he described as disruptive.
McIlroy won’t participate in the meeting, and details regarding its location and agenda remain unclear. Patrick Cantlay, one of the six-player directors of PGA Tour Enterprises, indicated that the initial meeting might not delve into substantive matters but rather serve as an introductory encounter with Al-Rumayyan.
“I doubt we will get into anything substantive in the first meeting,” said Cantlay.
McIlroy, who stepped down from the board in November, played a role in facilitating the PGA Tour’s engagement with PIF, leading to the announcement of a proposed partnership in June 2022. McIlroy emphasized the importance of initiating conversations and moving toward a resolution.
“I think it should have happened months ago, so I am glad that it’s happening,” McIlroy said.
The ultimate goal is to reconcile the golfing landscape, accommodating players associated with LIV Golf, such as Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, who are currently suspended from PGA Tour events except for the majors.
The PGA Tour’s anticipated deal with PIF faced delays, prompting the tour to align with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), leading to Rahm’s departure to LIV Golf. McIlroy highlighted the distinction between PIF and LIV Golf, expressing a preference for engagement with PIF and a resolution to the investment process.
“There’s a giant disconnect between PIF and LIV,” McIlroy stated.
Player director Peter Malnati acknowledged the resistance to Saudi involvement but expressed openness to understanding their intentions and potential contributions to the sport.
Concerns remain about blending players and addressing animosity arising from those who departed for significant signing bonuses to join LIV, as well as LIV’s aspirations for team golf. Despite the complexities, McIlroy underscored the importance of securing investment to facilitate progress toward a compromise.
“I don’t think this is an overnight solution,” McIlroy said. “But if we can get the investment in, then at least we can start working towards a compromise.”
