Rory McIlroy says Saudi Arabia’s PIF may consider ‘alternative options’ for PGA Tour amid delayed deal

Rory McIlroy on Thursday expressed frustration with the ongoing — and seemingly never-ending — negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. PGA Tour commissioner and PGA Tour Enterprises CEO Jay Monahan said on Wednesday that there was no time limit While agreeing to the deal, McIlroy warned it would not be advisable to play on for long.

“I thought there would have been more progress, which is unfortunate,” he told Golf.com. “I think everybody is sick and tired of it at this point. It’s kind of become a cloud over golf. But a very special cloud, you know?

“I wish more had been done in this regard, but it seems some people just don’t have the desire to fix it.”

McIlroy has long been in and out of these discussions. He was player director when the PGA Tour announced its framework deal with the PIF, but resigned at the end of 2023, saying“I feel like I have a lot going on in my life between my golf game, my family and my growing investment portfolio, my involvement with TGL. I felt like something had to give. I just didn’t feel like I could put in the time and energy to do that.”

Since that admission, there was talk of McIlroy taking over Webb Simpson’s seat as player director beginning in 2024, though nothing ultimately came of it. McIlroy elaborated slightly on comments he made to Golf.com earlier in the week after shooting a 2-under 69 in his opening round of the Tour Championship.

“I think everybody interested in golf will be disappointed,” McIlroy said. “I think everybody interested in the PGA Tour will be disappointed because we – the royal ‘we’ – we’re not able to put out our best product. I understand the argument that these guys left and it was their choice and whatever.

“I think it’s been going on for a long time. I mean, I think everybody is trying to find a solution to it. It’s hard to find a solution to it. Even though I was on the wrong side of things, like the US Open with Bryson [DeChambeau] And me, you really only get to see that four times a year maximum. I think things like this should happen more than just four times a year in the game of golf.”

Though Monahan earlier this year helped PGA Tour Enterprises — a newly formed, for-profit entity — secure $1.5 billion from Strategic Sports Group, he is still optimistic that the PIF will make a similar investment, as the details are still taking some time to be ironed out.

McIlroy warned the PGA Tour can’t compromise forever.

“I think if this doesn’t happen soon, honestly, I think the PIF and the Saudis will have to look at alternative options, right? I think that’s probably… I would say this is the next step in all of this if nothing is done.”