A range of emotions will have coursed through Rory McIlroy after learning about the PGA Tour’s merger with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Shock, confusion and perhaps betrayal after commissioner Jay Monahan’s stealth-like negotiations with PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, which led to golf’s seismic move to end tension between the PGA Tour and its bitter rivals LIV Golf.
McIlroy still “hates” LIV, but is coming to terms with golf’s reality: the PIF and Saudi investment in the sport was here to stay. That doesn’t change the fact McIlroy, who labelled himself a “sacrificial lamb” during his Canadian Open press conference, dedicated exorbitant amounts of time and energy, instead of precious tournament preparation and practice. The intent was to uphold the PGA Tour’s “legacy,” which appears to have been traded in exchange for limitless investment — in essence safeguarding the tour’s future.
