Rory McIlroy’s Meeting with Trump: A Glimpse into Golf’s Civil War
Rory McIlroy, one of golf’s most prominent and respected figures, has revealed that he recently played golf with former US President Donald Trump, adding a new layer to the ongoing discussions about the reunification of the golfing world. This meeting took place just weeks before Trump’s inauguration, and it provided McIlroy with insights into the president’s stance on the controversial LIV Golf tour. McIlroy, who has always been vocal about his opposition to LIV Golf, was surprised to learn that Trump is not a fan of the 54-hole format, which includes team and individual elements and a shotgun start. This revelation suggests that Trump’s influence could be pivotal in ongoing talks between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the entity behind LIV Golf.
Trump’s Influence in the Middle East
The significance of Trump’s influence in these negotiations cannot be overstated. As PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott met with Trump last week, McIlroy highlighted the president’s unique access to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the PIF. Trump, McIlroy noted, has a direct line to Yasir’s boss, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This level of access is rare and could potentially expedite or hinder the deal between the US-based circuit and the Saudi-funded breakaway. McIlroy, who has played golf with Trump in the past, recalled a conversation with Sheikh Hamdan of Abu Dhabi the day Trump was elected in November 2016, underscoring the former president’s high regard in the Middle East. “He can be influential. I saw it when I was playing with Sheikh Hamdan of Abu Dhabi the day when he got elected in November and the respect he has in the Middle East… I don’t think people appreciate how much respect that he has there,” McIlroy said. “So I think whenever he says something they listen and I think that’s a big thing.”
McIlroy’s evolving stance on LIV Golf
Rory McIlroy has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf from the outset, but his recent comments indicate a more nuanced and pragmatic approach. Initially, McIlroy, along with many other top players, was adamantly opposed to the LIV tour, going so far as to say he would rather retire than play on the Saudi-funded circuit. However, his stance has softened over time. In a press conference ahead of the Genesis Invitational, McIlroy acknowledged that the PGA Tour has benefited from LIV Golf’s presence, particularly in terms of increased prize money. “Whether you stayed on the PGA Tour or you left, we have all benefited from this,” he stated. “We’re playing for a 20 million dollar prize fund this week. That would have never happened if LIV hadn’t have come around.”
Embracing the Future: Moving Forward Together
Despite the initial tension and the deep divisions within the golfing community, McIlroy emphasized the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on past conflicts. “I think everyone’s just got to get over it and we all have to say ‘okay, this is the starting point and we move forward’. We don’t look behind us, we don’t look to the past,” he said. McIlroy’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among many players and officials that the golfing world needs to find a path to reunification to ensure the sport’s continued growth and success. The Northern Irishman believes that if players and tours can put aside their differences, the future of golf will be brighter. “If people are butt-hurt or have their feelings hurt because guys went or whatever, like who cares? Let’s move forward together and let’s just try to get this thing going again and do what’s best for the game.”
The Future of LIV Golf: A Smaller Role?
While McIlroy’s stance on LIV Golf has softened, his participation in the rival tour remains highly unlikely. When asked if there needed to be some "crossover" between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, McIlroy’s response was a resounding, “I hope not.” However, he did leave room for a potential coexistence, suggesting that LIV Golf could occupy a smaller part of the schedule. “We’ll see, we’ll see,” he said. “Do they take up a smaller part of the schedule maybe? There are certain markets that their product has worked, in Adelaide for example this week. So are there certain markets where we try to cherry pick the best ones that make sense and try to do something with them?” This approach could allow both tours to coexist while minimizing the conflict and preserving the integrity of the PGA Tour.
A Call for Reunification
Ultimately, McIlroy’s message is clear: the golfing world needs to come together and find a way to move forward. The former US President’s involvement, his respect in the Middle East, and the mutual benefits that have emerged from the LIV Golf controversy all point to the possibility of a deal. McIlroy’s pragmatic approach and willingness to engage in dialogue with all parties, including Trump, show a leader who is committed to the betterment of the sport. As negotiations continue, the golfing community will be watching closely to see if this call for reunification can lead to a positive outcome for everyone involved.
