The PGA Tour and LIV Golf, which is backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, have not reached a final agreement to unite the assets of the two entities.
The emergence of LIV Golf revolutionized the golf world, but the previously announced merger agreement appeared to soften the stances of some detractors on the controversial circuit. Although doubts about an agreement being closed seem to grow as the weeks and months go by.
But after months of disagreements, two of the sport’s biggest stars appear to be letting calm prevail. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy recently admitted that he was “too critical” when he made comments about some of the golfers who decided to sign up for LIV Golf.
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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his shot from the sixth tee as Phil Mickelson of the United States watches during the first round of the Zozo Championship at Sherwood on October 22, 2020, in Thousand Oaks, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)
“I think at this point I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys that went to LIV Golf at first, and I think that was a little mistake on my part, because now I realize that not everyone is in my position or in the Tiger Woods’ position,” McIlroy said on the “Stick to Football” podcast.
“We all become professionals to make a living playing the sports we play, and I think that’s what I realized in the last two years. I can’t judge people for making that decision.”
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LIV Golf captain Phil Mickelson showed his support for McIlroy by encouraging fans to avoid crowding the Northern Irishman. Mickelson also suggested that now was the time to put hostilities aside.
“This quote and many others made today by Rory probably weren’t easy to say,” Mickelson wrote on social media Wednesday. “Let’s not use this as an opportunity to pile on. Rather, it is time for me and others to put aside our hostilities and work toward a positive future.”
Mickelson has been vocal in his criticism of the PGA Tour. He previously suggested that LIV’s acquisition of Jon Rahm would help mend the fractured relationship between the two parties. Rahm earned the iconic green jacket at the 2023 Masters Tournament.
“[Rahm’s] “The signing is becoming a bridge to unite both parties, as evidenced by the many comments today and a month ago about changing the Ryder Cup rules so Jon and others can play, so let’s use it as such,” he said Mickelson. Until an agreement is reached, both sides will carry on as usual, but hopefully without the unnecessary disdain.”
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland salutes on the fourth green during the final round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 25, 2023 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Mickelson and McIlroy have publicly traded blows over the past few months. Shortly after McIlroy missed the cut at Augusta National, Mickelson took to social media and hinted that the LIV schedule would be a better fit for the former world No. 1 golfer. McIlroy is currently ranked No. 2 in the world golf rankings.
“The problem is that I don’t think there is a team that wants him because they would have to deal with all his nonsense,” Mickelson wrote at the time.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks at a press conference after the Pro-Am prior to the DP World Tour Championship at the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 14, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
After an allegation that Mickelson attempted to bet around $400,000 on the 2012 US Ryder Cup appeared in a book, McIlroy took the opportunity to criticize the left-handed LIV Golf captain.
“At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year, because he won’t be part of it,” McIlroy said at the time.
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The pending deal and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund are expected to be finalized sometime in 2024.
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