Rory McIlroy has dismissed recent reports from British tabloids that claim a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is already finalized. The Northern Irish golfer addressed the speculation before he participated in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, reiterating that no agreement has been reached, despite rumors suggesting otherwise.
According to a report in The Sun, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which finances LIV Golf, is set to invest $1 billion for an 11 percent stake in the PGA Tour, indicating a potential end to the contentious rivalry between the two circuits. However, McIlroy quickly refuted these claims, emphasizing that discussions are still ongoing and no deal has been made.
The four-time major champion also mentioned that Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, could play a crucial role in facilitating the deal. Musk has shown interest in the sports world and has previously expressed a desire to get involved in professional golf. McIlroy suggested that Musk’s business savvy and reputation could help bridge the gap between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, but he clarified that any agreement would require time and negotiation.
As McIlroy prepares for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he is also taking the chance to pay tribute to Colm McLoughlin, the outgoing executive vice-chairman of Dubai Duty-Free. McLoughlin, who has significantly influenced the golf landscape in the Middle East, will soon retire, and McIlroy expressed his appreciation for McLoughlin’s contributions to the sport, especially in the UAE.
