Rory McIlroy warns the PGA Tour about the Saudis, says the PIF will ‘look at alternative options’

Rory McIlroy has issued a fresh warning to the PGA Tour about the Saudis. The Northern Irishman, who has been a part of the Tour’s ongoing negotiation with the Public Investment Fund, noted that the other side may walk away from the deal if it is further postponed.

McIlroy addressed the extended delay in the PGA-PIF deal and stated that the ‘Saudis are going to have to look at alternative options’ if it doesn’t follow through soon. It is pertinent to note that PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan shook hands first on 6 June 2023. However, the deal hasn’t moved forward since. Despite several meetings, the two sides have constantly pushed the deal’s deadline.

It is also noteworthy that the PGA Tour worked out the massive $3bn investment deal with the American-based Strategic Sports Group. This also put the PIF deal’s future in doubt. McIlroy, who has been a massive LIV Golf opponent since its inception, is now positive that the breakaway Tour officials will move on if there is no progress this year.

Replying to a media query about the PGA-PIF deal’s future, Rory McIlroy said after the first round of the 2024 Tour Championship at East Lake, as quoted by ASAP Sports:

“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? I think that's probably the - I'd say that's the next step in all this if something doesn't get done.”

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Rory McIlroy claims PGA Tour are ‘frustrated’

Rory McIlroy was a staunch LIV Golf opponent for the longest time. However, the 35-year-old golfer seemingly lowered his defense in recent times. Following the PIF deal announcement, the four-time major champion called for the unification of the two sides for a better future of the sport.

He has doubled down on his past comments and stated that the PGA-LIV split is harming golf. The 26-time PGA Tour winner claimed that the fans are ‘frustrated’ by the current position of the game.

Rory McIlroy added while speaking at East Lake:

“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're -- 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. We've got to try to -- I mean, I think everyone is trying to find a solution. It's just a solution that is hard to get to.”

Furthermore, McIlroy stated that he was “on the wrong side of things” and added that LIV players’ participation in regular events was important. The PGA Tour star went on to address his nerve-wracking final competition with LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open, which the latter went on to win.

McIlroy said such fights will only be available at the majors if the unification doesn’t happen. He reiterated that it will affect the interest of the sport.