Rory McIlroy Provides Update Over Potential PGA Tour And LIV Golf Merger

Rory McIlroy believes there is a long way to go before a deal is struck between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf over a potential merger.

The launch of Saudi-backed LIV Golf in 2022 caused a divide in the sport. High-profile players such as Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau were among those to make the switch.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Tiger Woods are among those who have expressed optimism about the two parties getting a deal done.

Progress was expected after talks between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and US president Donald Trump were held at the White House last month.

The Northern Irishman is competing at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando Florida and spoke to the media about the potential merger.

Rory McIlroy is not convinced that a deal with LIV Golf and the PGA Tour is any closer.

Rory McIlroy Insists PGA Tour Merger With LIV Golf Is ‘No Closer’

Speaking to the media at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Rory McIlroy cast doubt on a deal being signed any time soon over a PGA Tour merger with LIV Golf.

However, McIlroy insisted that the PGA Tour doesn’t ‘need a deal’ with LIV Golf as per ESPN.

He told reporters: “I don’t think it’s ever felt that close but it doesn’t feel like it’s any closer.”

Explaining why a deal was not yet in place, McIlroy replied: “It takes two to tango. If one party is willing and ready and the other isn’t, it makes it tough.

‘The landscape might have looked a little different then than it does now over these past couple of weeks.

“I think the narrative around golf would welcome a deal. In of just having all the best players together again.

“But I don’t think the PGA Tour needs a deal. I think the momentum is pretty strong. As you say, TV’s been good, TGL’s been hopefully pretty additive to the overall situation. I think it would still be the ideal scenario for golf as a whole. But from a pure PGA Tour perspective, I don’t think it necessarily needs it.”