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Rory McIlroy says he does not think a deal to unite golf is “any closer” despite talks between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and United States president Donald Trump. <\/b><\/p>\n
The sport has been fractured since Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf launched in 2022 and recruited some of the sport’s leading players from the PGA Tour, including Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.<\/p>\n
Discussions over a possible merger started in June 2023 and, in February, the PGA Tour held “constructive” talks with LIV Golf chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and president Trump at the White House.<\/p>\n
At the Genesis Open, 15-time major winner Tiger Woods said he thought the divide would “heal quickly” following the talks.<\/p>\n
However, McIlroy doesn’t believe the PGA Tour “needs” a deal to be struck, and said any plans to unify the sport are still far away from coming to fruition.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think it’s ever felt that close but it doesn’t feel like it’s any closer,” said Northern Ireland’s McIlroy.<\/p>\n
“I think the narrative around golf would welcome a deal in terms of having the best players together again. <\/p>\n
“But I don’t think the PGA Tour needs a deal.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n