New Delhi: Donald Trump’s historic victory in the US presidential election is likely to have a global impact in all sectors including golf. Irish golfer Rory McIlroy believes that with Trump in power, a resolution to the long-standing stand-off between PGA Tour and LIV Golf might be in sight.
McIlroy also feels that the business tycoon Elon Musk could also play a key role in bringing peace between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia-funded breakaway LIV circuit.
Musk, one of the richest people in the globe, was the biggest supporter of Trump in the US election. The Tesla boss has been sharing regular posts on social media advocating why the country must choose Trump as their next president.
According to several reports this week, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and backers of LIV Golf, have agreed to invest over a billion dollars in the newly formed PGA Tour Enterprise after discussions with the PGA Tour.
The world number three golfer, who is participating in this week’s Abu Dhabi Championship, quit the PGA Tour policy board in November 2023.
McIlroy’s attempt to return to the board was blocked by some players, but he was named to a committee in May for negotiations with the PIF.
As per reports, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan held discussions with PIF chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Riyadh last week. The meeting fuelled speculations about the deal’s finalisation.
While McIlroy brushed aside the speculations about the meeting he hoped that Trump and Tesla boss Musk could help get a deal over the line.
“He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him,” added McIlroy. “We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too…
“It’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is.
“But obviously Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?”
The LIV-PGA dispute
Started in 2021, by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, LIV Golf gained popularity by signing some of the sport’s biggest names, luring several top golfers from the PGA Tour, including Phil Mickelson, with hefty sponsorship payments, touching off an acrimonious legal battle. Despite the big move, LIV has struggled to find broadcast partners for its tournaments in their bid to gain revenue and grab more eyeballs.
LIV sued the PGA Tour last year for allegedly adopting monopolistic behaviour by implementing restrictive rules intended to stop the golfers from playing in rival leagues. The PGA filed a countersuit by levelling charges on LIV for illegally pushing players to break contracts with the legacy US-based tour, luring them with exorbitant sums of money.
World number three golfer Rory McIlroy feels that Donald Trump and Elon Musk could bring peace between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia-funded breakaway LIV circuit. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
