Rory McIlroy Says New York City Meeting Between PGA Tour, Saudi PIF Is 'Peculiar Timing'

Rory McIlroy is a member of a committee tasked with unifying the game but is playing the Irish Open instead of attending meetings reportedly happening in New York City. | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Rory McIlroy expressed surprise Wednesday at the timing of meetings taking place between the leaders of golf’s divided factions, but said the reason behind a December exhibition between players on both sides was to try and show the world the possibilities going forward.

Speaking ahead of the DP World Tour’s Irish Open at Royal County Down, McIlroy discussed the match he disclosed last week that would see him and Scottie Scheffler of the PGA Tour play against LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.