Rory McIlroy believes a deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf "doesn't feel any closer" despite recent high-level meetings at the White House.
The Northern Irishman made the comments on Wednesday ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida.
"I don't think it's ever felt that close, but it doesn't feel like it's any closer," McIlroy said.
His assessment comes after PGA Tour officials, including commissioner Jay Monahan, met with US President Donald Trump and Saudi PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan last month.
Rory McIlroy has admitted that talks have not progressed
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McIlroy suggested the PGA Tour is in a strong position regardless of whether a deal is reached.
"I don't think the PGA Tour needs a deal. I think the momentum is pretty strong," he said.
The four-time major champion pointed to improved television ratings and the TMRW Golf League as signs of the tour's strength.
"I think a deal would still be the ideal scenario for golf as a whole," McIlroy added. "But from a pure PGA Tour perspective, I don't think it necessarily needs it."
The meetings at the White House involved PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott, who met twice with President Trump last month.
Tiger Woods and Yasir Al-Rumayyan joined for the second meeting, which lasted about four hours.
Monahan described the talks as a "huge step" towards reunification.
"The dynamic he brings is he's the leader of the free world and he has an active interest in reunifying the game," Monahan said of Trump's involvement.
Despite these high-level discussions, no further meetings have been scheduled.
McIlroy explained that the stalled negotiations were due to both sides not being equally committed.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan met Donald Trump and PGA officials last month
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"It takes two to tango," he said. "So if one party is willing and ready and the other isn't, it sort of makes it tough."
At issue appears to be the future of team golf, which is central to LIV's format.
The Saudi-backed league has 12 teams with investors and sponsors, and Al-Rumayyan is known to be "bullish on team golf".
McIlroy serves on the transaction subcommittee of PGA Tour Enterprises that has been negotiating with the Saudis.
Meanwhile, McIlroy revealed he might add another tournament to his schedule before the Masters in April.
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He is currently only scheduled to play the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship before heading to Augusta.
"I don't like the idea of having three weeks off going into the Masters so I may add one event," McIlroy said.
The 35-year-old, who is still seeking his first Masters title to complete a career Grand Slam, is considering his options.
"It really depends on how these two weeks go and how I'm feeling about my game."
