Should McIlroy been part of PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger discussion?

Rory McIlroy speaks with the media during press conferences for the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament. Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Should Rory McIlroy been part of PGA Tour, LIV Golf merger discussion?

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 6/7/23

When the shocking news broke on Tuesday that the PGA Tour would merge with LIV Golf, it's difficult to imagine that a single fan of the sport was left not wondering what Rory McIlroy thought about the whole situation. And on Wednesday, fans and the media alike got their answer.

And with how involved McIlroy has been in being an advocate for the PGA Tour, it's interesting to hear that he was just as surprised at the news as everyone else.

"I got a text message on Monday night, I guess, from [PGA Tour board member] Jimmy Dunne" McIlroy told the press ahead of the RBC Canadian Open. "Jimmy rang me up about 6:30 yesterday morning. He took me through the news, took me through the deal.

"So, I pretty much learned about it at the same time as everyone else did."

Rory McIlroy…
-endlessly defended PGA Tour
-turned down reportedly $500M
-sidelined during the negotiation

…“All I’ve wanted is to protect the future of the PGA Tour and I hope that this does that.”

You won’t find a more loyal CLASS ACT in sports. pic.twitter.com/spyPnypfFv
— Will Ahmed (@willahmed) June 7, 2023

McIlroy does mention in that same interview that he "knew there had been discussions going on." But with how active major athletes are in helping to make big decisions for leagues these days, it's a bit surprising that McIlroy didn't at least get more of a heads up that this big move was happening.

The four-time major winner has been one of the loudest voices against Greg Norman's breakaway league, largely because it is funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the country has a horrendous human rights record. Even when McIlroy mentioned this season that he would "step away" from being so active in the fight, he has remained vocal — and honest — when it comes to the rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

But all of this isn't to say that McIlroy is against the PGA Tour and LIV Golf finding common ground. The two sides — along with the DP World Tour over in Europe — have been marred in legal battles and hefty fines since the rogue league's inception. At the end of the day, this business move should benefit the PGA, and that's what McIlroy has been striving for.

"All I've wanted was to do and all I've wanted in the past year from this tournament is to protect the PGA Tour and protect the aspirational nature of what the PGA Tour stands for," McIlroy said. "And I hope that this does that."

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