Rory McIlroy has revealed his involvement with discussions with Saudi backers of LIV Golf, stating that there is “no strain” in his relationship with Tiger Woods despite differing views on the future of golf.
The PGA Tour confirmed that McIlroy is part of the newly-created PGA Tour Enterprises’ Transaction Subcommittee, along with Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, directly engaging with Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
McIlroy, Woods, and Scott are among seven members on the subcommittee, which also includes PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and four others from the PGA Tour Enterprises Board. McIlroy clarified to reporters after the Wells Fargo Championship that he is not a board member but plays a role on the transaction committee.
“I’ve already had calls with that group,” McIlroy said. “I had a really good hour and a half Zoom with those guys on Sunday, we went through a 150-page doc about the future product model and everything. Yeah, I’m not on the board, but I’m in some way involved in that transaction committee.”
McIlroy acknowledged that not having a vote limits his influence but believes he can contribute positively. This involvement follows his decision not to replace Webb Simpson on the PGA Tour policy board due to concerns from fellow players.
“It’s understood that Patrick Cantlay was among the players who felt ‘uncomfortable’ that McIlroy would automatically take Simpson’s seat on the PGA Tour policy,” according to sources, with Jordan Spieth and Woods supporting this view.
McIlroy emphasized the need for global unity in golf and a shift towards a ‘World Tour’ model, differing from some players’ perspectives within the PGA Tour.
“I think friends can have disagreements or not see eye to eye on things,” McIlroy said of his relationship with Woods. “We had a really good talk last Friday for 45 minutes, just about a lot of different things. No, there’s no strain there.”
Despite their differing visions for golf’s future, McIlroy affirmed that his friendship with Woods remains strong and unaffected.
