Rory McIlroy Suggests New US President Donald Trump And Elon Musk Could Expedite PGA Tour-PIF Deal
The World No.3 does not believe reports of a completed merger are accurate but did suggest Trump returning as President could speed up a successful deal


World No.3 Rory McIlroy admitted he would be surprised if recent reports regarding a completed merger deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabian PIF are true before suggesting new US President Donald Trump may be able to help expedite a successful agreement.
News of concluded negotiations between two of the key superpowers in the men's game was first broken by British newspaper, The Sun last weekend - who claimed "golf's civil war is over."
However, Front Office Sports - who had spoken to sources of their own - stated that the tabloid's story was premature and that plenty of details still had to be ironed out before an official confirmation.
Before competing in this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, where he will attempt to seal a sixth Harry Vardon Trophy, McIlroy was asked if he had any update on said news given his proximity to negotiations throughout.
He said: "Yeah, it's the first that I've heard of it. I know Jay [Monahan - PGA Tour commissioner] was in Saudi Arabia last week at the FII (Future Investment Initiative Institute) and was having some meetings. But no, I think I would have heard if there was."
"It's the first I've heard of it. I know Jay was in Saudi Arabia last week at the FII and was having some meetings."He's briefing the transaction committee tonight, maybe some news comes out of that."Rory McIlroy says there is no deal he knows of between PIF and PGA Tour pic.twitter.com/z4ayWIPnurNovember 6, 2024
The four-time Major winner did mention that fresh information could possibly emerge in the coming days, however.
Referencing Monahan, McIlroy said: "I know he's briefing the transaction committee tonight. So maybe some news comes out of that. But as far as I'm aware, I haven't heard a thing."
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
While McIlroy was speaking in Abu Dhabi, on the other side of the world, Donald Trump was striding towards a second term as President of the United States of America.
And it was the 47th POTUS - who introduced Bryson DeChambeau onto stage at his victory speech in Florida, hours before the official verdict - who McIlroy suggested could actually be a key player in helping to facilitate a successful deal in men's pro golf.
Agreeing that it would be "a huge moment" if the US Department of Justice was "more amenable" in rubber-stamping an agreement, too, the Northern Irishman outlined why progress might occur quickly now a new President is set to take over.
"He might be able to do something if we get Musk involved too" 🤔Rory McIlroy on how Donald Trump's presidency might impact the LIV/PGA deal 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/fUvkwmEFbYNovember 6, 2024
With Trump having been quoted as saying he could fix the PGA Tour/LIV deal "in 15 minutes," McIlroy said to Sky Sports: "He might be able to. He's got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too.
"Yeah, I think from the outside looking in, it's probably a little less complicated than it actually is. But obviously Trump has great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He's got a great relationship with golf. He's a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?
"But I think as the President of the United States again, he's probably got bigger things to focus on than golf."

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Which Male Golfer Currently Has The Most Consecutive Major Starts?
Consistency is what every professional golfer strives for, alongside playing in as many Majors as possible, and one man is clear at the top of the most consecutive starts, but who is it?
-
I'm Finding The US Open TV Coverage Hard To Watch... But These 4 Changes Would Re-Engage Golf Fans
The US Open TV coverage has tested the extent of my engagement levels so far, but these four changes would re-engage golf fans and improve the overall quality
-
Which Male Golfer Currently Has The Most Consecutive Major Starts?
Consistency is what every professional golfer strives for, alongside playing in as many Majors as possible, and one man is clear at the top of the most consecutive starts, but who is it?
-
Rory McIlroy Head And Shoulders Clear Of US Open Field In Surprising Driving Distance Chart
The Masters champion has been driving it very well at Oakmont so far, ranking 11th in SG: Off the tee and sitting a full 36 yards clear of the field in average distance
-
WATCH: Rory McIlroy Launches Club Before Smashing Tee Marker
During the second round at the 2025 US Open, a frustrated Rory McIlroy launched a club and broke a tee marker at Oakmont Country Club, as he just made the cut
-
Brooks Koepka Is Still Not Wearing LIV Golf Logos Three Years After Switching To The PIF-Backed League - Here's Why...
The five-time Major winner is the only LIV player at the US Open not wearing any of the circuit's branded apparel - we explain why
-
Rory McIlroy Continues To Skip Media... And It's Not A Good Look
McIlroy has not spoken to the press after any of his first rounds in the three Majors so far this year after once again skipping media at the US Open
-
LIV Golf Leaderboard At The US Open: Who Made The Cut And Who Missed Out?
A total of eight LIV Golfers missed the cut at Oakmont, where low scoring was hard to come by in tough US Open conditions
-
PGA Tour Set To Unveil NFL Executive As New CEO
It has been confirmed that NFL Executive Brian Rolapp is leaving the organization, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting he will become the PGA Tour’s new CEO
-
NBC Sports Chief’s ‘Total Sideshow’ LIV Golf Comments Raise Two Key Questions - How Will Saudi-Backed Tour Respond?
After NBC Sports chief Sam Flood called it a "total sideshow" we look at how LIV Golf could respond, with another huge cash injection or a change in strategy