Rory McIlroy has expressed optimism that the ongoing dispute in men’s professional golf may be resolved following recent discussions between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
According to ESPN, several PGA Tour representatives, including Tiger Woods, recently met with PIF in New York. This fund is known for its support of the LIV Golf tour.
The PGA and DP World Tours announced a ‘framework agreement’ with PIF 15 months ago, aiming for a merger. Despite McIlroy’s earlier frustrations over the slow progress of these negotiations, he remains hopeful about the outcome of the New York meeting.
“I think everyone in the game would love there to be one [a resolution],” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI. “A solution is hard to get to because there are different interests and people want different things. There’s going to have to be compromise on both sides but hopefully they’re the things they’re talking about in those meetings. I’m hopeful and hopefully we’ll be hear some good news in the foreseeable future where things start to come back together.”
McIlroy spoke before the Irish Open at Royal County Down, his first competitive event on home soil since the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush. He missed the cut that year and struggled with the pressure of performing in front of his home fans.
“I’ve had to learn over the years how to manage my week when I come home,” the four-time major winner said. “I’m trying so hard to perform in front of the home fans but then if I push too hard it’s detrimental to my game.”
McIlroy, who won the Irish Open at the K Club in 2016, added, “It’s about managing all those emotions and getting lost in my own little world and not trying to do anything I wouldn’t normally do. Just go out there and play the best golf that I can and not get too frustrated when things don’t go my way. If I can do that then I think I’ll be OK.”
He mentioned that winning in Northern Ireland would be “extra special.” McIlroy has had a successful year with three wins but remains focused on overcoming close calls at events like the US Open and the Olympics.
McIlroy will play with fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin during the first two rounds at Royal County Down, which he considers “the number one links course in the world.”
Following his tie for ninth place at the Tour Championship earlier this month, McIlroy plans to reduce his tournament schedule in the future. He aims for a 22-tournament calendar in the coming years but confirmed he will “definitely” return to the K Club for the Irish Open in 2025.
“For Shane [Lowry] and myself and some of the other guys that play predominantly in America, this date suits better,” McIlroy noted. “We can focus on the FedEx Cup and Stateside and then turn our attention to Europe. These two weeks, here and Wentworth [for the BMW PGA Championship] next week, we’re always looking forward to getting back. It’s a long stretch in the States so to get back and play two great tournaments, a lot of guys enjoy that so I’ll definitely be back.”
