Rory McIlroy has suggested that Donald Trump's potential return to the US presidency could help resolve golf's ongoing civil war.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the four-time major winner indicated that recent political developments in America might clear the way for a peace deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
McIlroy, who recently played alongside PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the Dunhill Links Championship, was responding to questions about potential deal completion.
"Yeah, I would, but then obviously given today's news with what's happened in America, I think that clears the way a little bit. So we'll see," McIlroy said.
Rory McIlroy has opened up following Donald Trump's victory in the US election
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When asked about Trump's claim that he could secure a deal in 15 minutes, McIlroy told Sky Sports: "He might be able to."
The Northern Irishman also highlighted potential involvement from Elon Musk, stating: "He's got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too."
Negotiations between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund have been ongoing since June 2023, following a framework agreement.
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Rory McIlroy has suggested that Donald Trump's potential return to the US presidency could help resolve golf's ongoing civil war
GB NewsThe US Department of Justice has been a significant obstacle, having already forced the removal of a non-solicitation clause from the agreement.Trump's close relationship with Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf could prove influential, with several LIV Golf events being hosted at Trump-owned courses.
McIlroy acknowledged that while Trump's connections to golf and Saudi Arabia could be beneficial, the former president's potential return to office would likely mean other priorities take precedence.
"Obviously Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He's got a great relationship with golf. He's a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?" he added.
Rory McIlroy wants the civil war between the PGA Tour and Liv Golf to end
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"But I think as the President of the United States again, he's probably got bigger things to focus on than golf."
Trump, meanwhile, has vowed to 'fix' America - and insists his victory will go down in history as one of the best of all time.
"This was, I believe, the greatest political movement of all time," he said.
"There's never been anything like this in this country, and maybe beyond. And now it's going to reach a new level of importance because we're going to help our country heal.
"We're going to help our country here. We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly.
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"We're going to fix our borders. We're going to fix everything about our country and we've made history for a reason tonight.
"And the reason is going to be just that. We overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible."
