On one side, there’s Golf’s bitter divide. On the other is the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship where the two heads of opposite sides will tee off alongside each other. Interesting, isn’t it? This development comes a few weeks after the reported friction that came about owing to the meeting in New York, resulting in more delay in the merger. However, not to worry, for the deal seems to be all set to take place soon, possibly before the end of 2024. But don’t take our word for it, you can ask Rory McIlroy!

A tweet was shared by NUCLR GOLF, mentioning how the merger might find a solution “before year’s end,” per the Northern Irishman. He pointed out the complicated nature of the entire ordeal before adding, “There’s no better place than the home of golf to try and get everyone together and talking.”

Yes, you read that right! Rory McIlroy seemed to be alluding to the recent pairings announced by the event. Interestingly, the commissioner of the PGA Tour, Jay Monahan, has been paired up with Billy Horschel while Yasir Al Rumayyan and Dean Burmester have been paired.

At 9.00 a.m. EST, the two duos will tee off alongside each other at hole No. 10 at Carnoustie on day 1. Suffice it to say, the 35-year-old focusing on the merger ahead of the event didn’t sit well with fans, as they took to issue jabs at the golfer and his game.

Rory McIlroy’s merger talks send the golfing world into a frenzy

Remember Rory McIlroy’s recent finishes? Well, the fans seem to do so, and very clearly at that. The current No. 3 golfer in the world had, throughout the year, failed to clinch the top spot in several tournaments, having close calls with each of them. Even recently, the 4-time major champion had placed T2 in two of the DP World Tour events, the BMW PGA Championship and the Amgen Irish Open.

This, consequently, increased his tally of top-5 finishes without a win this year to eight. Seems quite impressive and unfortunate at the same time, isn’t it? Alluding to the same, a fan commented, “Rory should concentrate on his golf game and personal life and leave the politics to others.”

One of these T2 finishes came back in the 2024 U.S. Open when the 35-year-old failed to maintain the top spot on the leaderboard. However, despite having a good lead on the last day of play, the athlete carded three bogeys in his last four holes. He did so while missing the putts from inside four feet in two holes; at the par-4, 16th hole, and par-4, 18th hole.

The world seems to remember that as well. A couple of users on X commented, “He should concentrate on 4 footers,” and “So sick of his holier-than-thou attitude. no one cares, he needs to shut his mouth and focus on not choking during the last 6 holes of a tournament.”

The choke at the U.S. Open led to LIV Golf Pro Bryson DeChambeau raking in the win at the major. The victory, coupled with his recent rise to fame through content creation and YouTube has led to many in the community dubbing him as their ‘favorite golfer’ despite being part of LIV Golf. A fan of the ‘Scientist’ didn’t miss the opportunity to come forward and take a jab at McIlroy, albeit hilariously. They responded, “Hopefully the deal is to trade Rory to LIV and bring Bryson back to the PGA.” Meanwhile, another enthusiast in the community was just tired of all the drama and the delay in the merger; “Get the deal done,” reacted the golfing fan as they expressed frustration at the same.

Do you agree with the fans urging him not to focus on the merger and instead on his game? Well, you can’t watch the sport and not see the golfer’s determination in being able to stay in the top 3 on the OWGR throughout the year. Neither can you turn a blind eye to the effect he has had on the merger talks. Don’t you think so?