The four-time major champion also mentioned that Elon Musk, a Trump supporter and owner of the social media platform X, could play a role in expediting the process.
Since the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (the backer of LIV Golf) signed a framework agreement in June 2023, talks have been underway to resolve their differences.
In September, McIlroy identified a 50-50 split between players from both tours and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as the main obstacles, noting that the DOJ had already intervened by requiring the removal of a non-solicitation clause from the agreement.
The next president will have influence over DOJ priorities, and Trump’s close ties with Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf—several of whose events areheld at Trump-owned courses—could play a role in shaping the outcome.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy was asked if he would be surprised if a deal was already reached, following a report in a national newspaper.
“Yeah, I would, but obviously with the news from America, that could make things easier,” McIlroy said, referencing his recent play in the same group as PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the Dunhill Links Championship.
McIlroy agreed that a more accommodating DOJ would be “a huge moment” and, in a separate interview, responded to Trump’s claim that he could secure a deal in 15 minutes.
“He might be able to,” McIlroy told Sky Sports. “He’s got Elon Musk, whom I think is the smartest man in the world, on his side. Maybe with Musk’s involvement, it could happen.”
“From an outside perspective, it might look simpler than it is,” McIlroyadded. “But Trump has a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and with golf. He’s a golf enthusiast, so maybe it could happen.
“That said, if he’s president again, he’ll likely have bigger things to focus on than golf.”
Hello reader, I'm Ben. I love to write and talk about sports and I am, unfortunately, hopeless at golf. Thanks for reading!
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