Two years have passed since the PGA Tour and PIF signed a framework agreement, but a final deal has yet to be reached. In recent months, public interest in the deal has seemed to wane, with some suggesting that a final deal may not be reached. However, there are those who firmly believe that the two sides can come to an agreement and that they can indeed calm the golf scene.
Rory McIlroy was a vocal critic of LIV when the Saudi PIF Tour arrived on the golf scene. The Northern Irishman did not mince words, criticizing the project, while also emphasizing that he hates it and that it has a completely different philosophy from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
However, over time, McIlroy has softened his stance and seems to be increasingly open to LIV.
At the CEO Council Forum, the Northern Irish golfer reflected on LIV Golf and the framework agreement, believing that unity would be best for golf.
Golf is such a good place, but at the same time, you see some of these other sports that have been fractured for so long, you look at boxing for example, or you look at whats happened in motor racing in the United States with Indy and NASCAR and everything else, I think for golf in general it would be better if there was unification. But I just think with whats happened over the last few years, its just going to be very difficult to be able to do that, he said, as reported by The Golfing Gazette.
Rory respects PGA
McIlroy emphasizes that the PGA is the place he respects the most because of its tradition and long-standing reputation.
On the other hand, he points out that the PGA Tour leaders have tried to work with people who have spent money irrationally, and that these same people will have to continue to invest huge sums if they want to remain a significant factor in the world of golf.
Rory McIlroy also warns that the contracts of a large number of LIV Golfers are expiring and that the leaders of the Saudi PIF Tour will have to invest more and more money to maintain their status.
McIlroy concluded that he feels comfortable on the PGA Tour side, confident that CEO Brian Rolapp knows what he is doing and can make the tour even stronger.
Where everything will go and whether a final agreement will actually be reached is difficult to say for sure. Opinions among fans are divided - some hope for a merger, while others are against such an option.
