Rory McIlroy has weighed in on the potential role Donald Trump and Elon Musk could play in finalizing the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PGA Tour and PIF have been working to resolve their conflict with LIV Golf since announcing a framework agreement last June. Trump recently claimed on a podcast that he could broker a deal between the two parties in just 15 minutes.
With Trump now set to return as President of the United States, McIlroy was asked whether the former president could help push the deal across the finish line. The Northern Irish golfer acknowledged Trump’s close ties to both Saudi Arabia and the golf world, stating, "He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. Maybe they could do something together."
McIlroy added that while Trump’s connections could be beneficial, the complexities of the deal might require more time than the former president suggested. “From the outside, it might seem simpler than it really is,” McIlroy said. “But with Trump’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and his love for golf, who knows?”
Despite these musings, McIlroy pointed out that Trump’s new role as U.S. President would likely take precedence over golf-related matters. Meanwhile, reports suggest that PIF may pledge over $1 billion to the PGA Tour as part of the agreement. However, McIlroy, who serves on the PGA Tour’s transaction committee, downplayed rumors of a finalized deal, noting, “It’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
With negotiations ongoing, McIlroy remains cautious but optimistic, awaiting further updates as the transaction committee continues its work.