McIlroy reveals Trump’s backing for PGA Tour in LIV Golf feud
McIlroy played a round with the U.S. President recently
Rory McIlroy has revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump appears to support the PGA Tour in its ongoing battle with rival circuit LIV Golf, based on conversations they had during a recent round of golf.
McIlroy shared these insights ahead of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, where he detailed Trump's thoughts on the LIV Golf format and his potential influence in resolving the sport's division.
During their round, McIlroy said Trump expressed a dislike for LIV’s 54-hole structure.
This comes as Trump recently met with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott to discuss the Tour’s efforts to reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the financial backer of LIV Golf.
"The President, he can do a lot of things," McIlroy said. "He has direct access to people who matter. Not many people have that. Not many people can say."
Not a fan of LIV format
McIlroy confirmed their round took place "a few weeks ago" and included what he described as "a good discussion."
He added, "I learned that he's not a fan of the LIV format."
When McIlroy pointed out that Trump had hosted LIV events, the former president reportedly responded, "'Yeah, but it doesn’t mean that I like it,' so I think he's on the Tour’s side," McIlroy concluded.
LIV Golf, launched in 2022, disrupted the sport by offering massive signing bonuses and prize funds, attracting top players such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Ian Poulter, and Sergio Garcia.
