Rory McIlroy has never been a fan of slow play on the golf course, and his impatience extends to off the course as well.
The World No. 2 is frustrated by the slow pace of the PGA Tour's negotiations with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and fears that the Saudi sovereign wealth fund might pull out of the deal if things don't progress more quickly
After over 14 months of talks, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said earlier this week that there is no deadline to complete a merger with PIF, owners of the breakaway LIV Golf league.
The PGA Tour, PIF and DP World Tour announced a framework agreement last June, promising to unify the game of golf, on a global basis.
The announcement was followed by a mutually agreed end to all pending litigation between the participating parties, while the three organisations ensured they would work “cooperatively” and in “good faith” to establish a fair and objective process for any players who desire to re-apply for membership with the PGA TOUR or the DP World Tour.
LIV golfers still remain suspended from the PGA Tour after an agreement wasn’t reached by the original deadline of December 31 2023.
Monahan added on Wednesday that the talks would take yet more time, much to the dismay of McIlroy.
“Yeah, of course (I’m frustrated),” said McIlroy.
“I think anyone that cares about golf, I think has to be frustrated. I think anyone that cares about the PGA TOUR has to be frustrated because we, the royal we, we're not putting forward the absolute best product that we can because… I get the argument that these guys left and that was their choice and whatever.
“I just think that it's gone on long enough. I think everyone is trying to find a solution. It's just a solution is hard to get to.
“I go back to, even though I was on the wrong side of things, like the U.S. Open with Bryson and I, you're only really going to get that four times a year at most. I think the game of golf deserves having those sort of things happen more than just four times a year.”
With no deadline in sight and PIF seemingly happy with how LIV Golf has grown since launching in 2022, McIlroy is wary that PIF could walk away from the deal, which could lead to the circuit luring more star names away from the PGA Tour.
Despite the framework agreement, LIV Golf poached Jon Rahm for a reported $500m last December, before signing European stars Tyrrell Hatton and Dubai resident Adrian Meronk earlier his year.
“Yeah, I think if it doesn't happen soon, then honestly, I think PIF and the Saudis are going to have to look at alternative options, right?” added McIlroy.
“I'd say that's the next step in all this if something doesn't get done.”
Asked to expound, McIlroy said, “There are other tours in which they could invest ... but then it keeps the game divided.”
