It’s been quite some moons since the bombshell of the PIF-PGA merger was dropped on the golf world, sending shockwaves throughout the sport. The proposed union between the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the PGA Tour ignited a firestorm of controversy, with many questioning the motivations behind the deal and the potential implications for the future of golf. As the drama continues to unfold, the golf world remains on high alert, eagerly awaiting the next development in this saga.

The latest update in the merger revealed that a deal between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) may be imminent, with a London-based tabloid, The Sun, running an unsourced story claiming a £1BILLION peace deal has been negotiated with the help of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. However, the report’s accuracy remains unconfirmed, and it contains some errors, including the assertion that the deal is with LIV Golf, when in fact it is with the PIF, a crucial distinction. This development comes after months of silence from key figures, including Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the PIF, Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner, and Tiger Woods, who have all been tight-lipped about the negotiations, leaving the golf world eagerly awaiting official confirmation.

Amidst the ongoing PGA Tour-PIF negotiations, a nuanced update from Tiger Woods has shed some light on the progress, or lack thereof. Woods recently stated, “Wish we had something more concrete than we have right now,” and further clarified that even if a deal had been reached, it would still be subject to approval by the US Department of Justice, adding, “Even if we would’ve had a deal done by now, it’s still in the DOJ’s hands”, per the latest tweet by NUCLR Golf.

But some PGA Tour pros are hopeful about the merger and, surprisingly, one of them is Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy is hopeful about the PIF-PGA Tour’s potential merger

Just a few months ago, Rory McIlroy expressed hope that the fracture in men’s professional golf would be resolved following the latest meeting between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The meeting, which took place in New York, included PGA Tour representatives such as Tiger Woods. McIlroy, who had previously voiced frustration at the lack of progress in the negotiations, stated that he was hopeful that a resolution would be reached.

McIlroy made these comments ahead of the 2024 Irish Open at Royal County Down, where he headlined the field in his first competitive appearance on home soil since the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush. McIlroy acknowledged that he had struggled with the pressure of performing in front of his home fans in the past, but expressed his desire to manage his emotions and play his best golf. Winning the Irish Open in Northern Ireland would have been “extra special” for McIlroy, following a year of close calls and near-misses. What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!