In recent weeks, it seemed like a deal between the PGA Tour and the PIF was almost within reach. After all, fans have grown tired of waiting, as it has been nearly two years since the shocking framework agreement was announced—and since then, updates have been few and far between. But suddenly, the talks seemed to pick up the pace again. The PGA Tour and the PIF met with President Donald Trump at the White House. Unfortunately, those discussions didn’t go as smoothly as expected.

Rory McIlroy, who has long been a vocal critic of LIV, threw another curveball into the mix when he said ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, “The PGA Tour does not necessarily need a deal with LIV.” This shift in McIlroy’s stance raised eyebrows, and some of the PGA Tour’s key investors might not be thrilled with his remarks. Andy Lack, speaking on the Inside Golf Podcast explained it well.

“What’s so crazy about this is the way that Rory is talking right now, he’s acting like now that they have the SSG money, they’re good when all of the people at the Strategic Sports Group that made that investment all did that because they were expecting a deal to happen.” Lack continued, sharing that he’d spoken to people at the Strategic Sports Group: “Everybody at the Strategic Sports Group made that investment expecting to partner with the PIF. The Strategic Sports Group guys, those hedge fund guys, like Marc Lasry and John Henry and all those guys, they invested that $3 billion expected for the PIF to also invest money in the PGA Tour’s product.” Despite the allegations, one thing is clear: the admiration between Donald Trump and Rory McIlroy is growing.

Rory McIlroy and Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, were recently seen together at the Genesis Invitational Pro-Am. Kai’s photo with McIlroy quickly made its way around social media. The two were geared up to face the rainy weather at Torrey Pines, both wearing dark windbreakers. McIlroy paired his outfit with a white beanie, while Kai opted for a white cap to complete her look.

Daily Mail reporter Jon Michael Raasch shared a picture of them walking the course on X. Additionally, Kai Trump released a trailer for a full YouTube video showcasing their round, which she shared on her official Instagram account. Donald Trump also fully admires the Northern Irishman.

“I love Rory, I think Rory is great. He’s a great golfer, and he just won two weeks ago [at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am]. I played golf with him three weeks ago, and he’s a fantastic player. He played very well with me,” he recently said. Trump also weighed in on McIlroy’s chances at the PLAYERS Championship, declaring, “Rory is one of the favorites. He’s always going to be one of the favorites. He’s a very talented guy, and he’s a very good person.”

Well, Rory McIlroy was once the strongest LIV Golf critic. However, with time, his blows have softened, both toward the league and towards Donald Trump.

Rory McIlroy confesses about Donald Trump being very influential

Donald Trump has played an influential role in the ongoing unification talks between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, with Rory McIlroy praising the POTUS’s potential impact. After sharing a round of golf with Trump in February, McIlroy reflected on their conversation, revealing that Trump has been clear about his stance in the golf civil war, saying he supports the PGA Tour in the dispute with LIV Golf.

McIlroy recounted their time on the course, where Trump expressed his distaste for LIV Golf’s 54-hole format, team elements, and shotgun starts. Despite past reservations about playing with Trump, McIlroy now acknowledges Trump’s influence, particularly when it comes to his direct access to figures like Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

McIlroy also highlighted the respect Trump commands, especially in the Middle East, where his words carry significant weight. “He can be influential,” McIlroy remarked, recognizing Trump’s ability to sway decisions with a level of access few others have. This growing connection between McIlroy and Trump could play a pivotal role as the future of golf continues to unfold.