Rory McIlroy has dismissed any notion of strain in his relationship with Tiger Woods amid ongoing discussions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. McIlroy acknowledged his involvement in talks with the Saudi backers of the breakaway tour, noting that while Woods may have different perspectives, it hasn’t affected their friendship. He emphasized that disagreements are natural among friends and maintained that their recent conversation was positive.
McIlroy, once a vocal critic of LIV Golf, has adjusted his stance on the league’s funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). He mentioned engaging with the PGA Tour’s newly established transaction committee, despite not having a voting role. The committee aims to address the future direction of the tour, with McIlroy offering his input despite lacking a board seat.
The PGA Tour announced Joe Gorder as the inaugural chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises, with Adam Scott and Tiger Woods among the board members. A specialized transaction subcommittee has been tasked with negotiating with PIF, which recently made a significant investment of $1.5 billion.
McIlroy’s decision not to replace Webb Simpson on the PGA Tour policy board stems from concerns about reopening old tensions.