Rory McIlroy is worried and on edge about the progress of negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The Northern Irish golfer, who did not speak to the media in the run-up to the Tour Championship, did speak after the first day and he could have said it louder, but not clearer. He wants a deal, he wants it now and he sees a bleak outlook if it does not happen.
“I think anyone who cares about golf has to be frustrated with what’s happening. Anyone who cares about the PGA TOUR has to be frustrated because we are not presenting the best product we can,” he said emphatically.
Rory understands the difficulties in agreeing between the different parties, but he is also convinced that enough time has passed for there to be something concrete. “I understand the argument that these guys left and it was their choice and whatever. I just think that enough time has already passed. Everyone is trying to find a solution and we have to get it. It’s hard, but it has to be done,” he said.
McIlroy’s specific goal is for the world’s best to play together more times a year. “I know in the past I’ve been on the wrong side of history, but we can think about the US Open, what happened there, with Bryson and me fighting to win. Golf deserves for this kind of thing to happen more times a year and not just four times.”
Finally, the warning. Rory detects fatigue in the parties and is concerned, especially on the Saudi side. “I think if we don’t reach an agreement soon, honestly, I think the PIF and the Saudis are going to have to look for alternative options. I would say that if something doesn’t happen soon, that’s what’s going to happen,” he pointed out. Certainly, regarding the negotiation, it’s a way to put pressure on the PGA Tour.
