Rory McIlroy thinks Donald Trump and Elon Musk could help PGA Tour and LIV Golf discussions

Rory McIlroy believes that former U.S. President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk could play pivotal roles in unifying professional golf, especially when it comes to bridging the divide between the PGA Tour and the controversial LIV Golf series.

McIlroy, who is currently ranked world No. 3, was asked whether Trump could fulfill his claim of resolving the fractured state of professional golf in just 15 minutes. McIlroy expressed optimism, suggesting that with Trump’s influential network and his connections to both the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, the task might indeed be achievable.

“He might be able to,” McIlroy said. “He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved too.”

The PGA Tour and LIV Golf, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), have been locked in a high-stakes conflict for years, leading to a fractured landscape in men’s professional golf. Despite the intense competition and disagreement, McIlroy seems open to the possibility that Trump, given his political clout and business experience, could help broker a deal between the two sides.

“He [Trump] has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf,” McIlroy continued. “He’s a lover of golf, so maybe. Who knows?”

However, the Northern Irish golfer also acknowledged the complexities involved. “As the President of the United States again, he’s probably got bigger things to focus on than golf,” McIlroy admitted, suggesting that while Trump may be the right person to facilitate the unification of the tours, his priorities might extend beyond the sport of golf.

The idea of Trump, with Musk by his side, stepping in to help settle the dispute is not far-fetched given their roles in the business world. Trump, who has hosted several LIV Golf events at his courses, has previously suggested that he could play a role in healing the divide. On a recent appearance on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Bill Belichick and Jim Gray, Trump asserted that he could help resolve the issue quickly. “I could probably get it done. I would say it would take me the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done,” Trump said.

While Trump has indicated his willingness to act as a mediator, he also made it clear that his focus will remain on larger national issues, especially as the upcoming U.S. election draws closer. “I think we have much bigger problems than that,” he added on the podcast. “But I do think we should have one tour, and they should have the best players in that tour.”

Despite Trump’s claims, a resolution to the PGA Tour-LIV Golf split has yet to materialize, even after the two organizations announced a framework agreement in June 2023. However, nearly 18 months later, the details of a full agreement remain elusive. The ongoing negotiations are further complicated by the involvement of the Saudi government, whose substantial financial backing has been central to LIV Golf’s rise.

The PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s parent company, the Public Investment Fund, agreed on a partnership in principle in June 2023. This agreement was expected to unify the sport, but progress has been slow, with the deadline for a final resolution being pushed from December 31, 2023, to 2024. McIlroy, a long-time PGA Tour supporter, has been vocal about his concerns regarding LIV Golf and the involvement of Saudi money in the sport, but he remains open to discussions if it ultimately benefits the game.

Trump, for his part, has been supportive of the notion of a unified tour. In June 2023, he celebrated the news of the potential merger between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and LIV Golf, praising the deal as a “big, beautiful, and glamorous” move for the sport. On his Truth Social platform, Trump congratulated the parties involved, adding, “Great news from LIV golf. A big, beautiful, and glamorous deal for the wonderful world of golf. Congrats to all!!!”

As the situation continues to evolve, McIlroy’s comments reflect the broader sense of anticipation and uncertainty that surrounds the future of professional golf. While it remains to be seen whether Trump and Musk can actually facilitate a resolution, McIlroy’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension and the stakes involved in creating a unified golfing landscape.

For now, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf remain separate entities, but with influential figures like Trump and Musk potentially in the mix, the landscape of men’s professional golf could soon undergo a dramatic shift. The world of golf, for better or worse, is waiting to see how this drama unfolds in the coming months.