While golf fans around the world are still hoping a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf gets done in 2025, top star Rory McIlroy seemed to shut the idea down completely this week.
The world of golf has been split down the middle over the last few years due to the introduction of LIV Golf. On one side is the legendary PGA Tour and DP World Tour. On the other, the league backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and their endless billions.
While it is debatable if LIV has a better product, they certainly have just as good a roster after poaching away many elite golfers with absurd signing bonuses and contracts. It led to a bitter rivalry and even a lawsuit between the two sides. However, that all seemed over when a planned merger was announced in the summer of 2023.
However, almost two years have passed and a finalized deal does not seem close. Yet, hope was renewed in 2025 with avid golf fan Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States. In an attempt to get a deal done, Trump and officials from both sides met in the Oval Office last month to bridge he gap. The meeting was described as productive and golf fans thought a deal was on the horizon.
Well, Rory McIlroy claims golf supporters should not get their hopes up. And that only one side is really making an effort to get a merger done.
Also Read: Get a look at the upcoming PGA Tour and LIV Golf schedules
Rory McIlroy suggests Donald Trump made no difference in PGA and LIV merger talks
“I don’t think it’s ever felt that close, but I don’t, it doesn’t feel like it’s any closer,” McIlroy told media before this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational (h/t The Athletic).
McIlroy is a part of the PGA subcommittee that has been involved with ongoing negotiations. But he was not part of the Feb. 20 at the White House that included PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods and PIF governor/LIV chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan. So what does the Irish superstar think is holding up the latest talks?
“It takes two to tango,” Rory McIlroy said. “So if one party is willing and ready and the other isn’t, it sort of makes it tough.”
That is not a good sign with talks stretching into a second year. It surely won’t give golf fans hope they will see the best of the PGA and LIV competing against each other outside the majors in 2025.