(Gullane) Rory McIlroy laughed when asked if he and Tiger Woods had considered running his own LIV team, adding on Thursday that he would rather retire than play on the controversial circuit if it was the only option available.
This idea was advanced in a document released in April entitled “The Best of Both Worlds”, which was submitted to the US Congress on the eve of a hearing on the possible merger of the PGA Tour with the Fund. Investment Authority of Saudi Arabia (PIF) before the Senate on Tuesday.
“LIV suggested that Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods be given a team and that they play at least 10 tournaments on his circuit. All of this, as well as the participation of other star golfers, is subject to further discussion,” was one of the items listed in the proposed settlement.
These revelations came to McIlroy’s attention after his first round at the Scottish Open, and he seemed rather puzzled.
“If the LIV circuit was the last place to play golf on this planet, then I would retire. That’s what I believe, McIlroy said. I would participate in major tournaments. I would be quite comfortable (with that). »
These ideas were among the many avenues considered in an eight-page document used to launch discussions for a possible merger between the two warring circuits. They were proposed by Amanda Staveley, of the British investment firm PCP Capital Partners. She facilitated the PIF’s purchase of English Premier League club Newcastle United, and is an advisor to Saudis in the world of golf.
McIlroy has always been very critical of the rival circuit, even before its official launch. He was one of the first headliners to reiterate his loyalty to the PGA in 2020. A month ago, after the surprise announcement of a tentative deal between the two tours, McIlroy said, “I hate LIV. Really, I hate LIV. I would really like this circuit to go away.”
McIlroy said he learned of the tentative agreement from Jimmy Dunne, a PGA board member who was involved in the negotiations, about four hours before the June 6 announcement.
One of the emails sent to the US Congress ahead of Tuesday’s hearing said McIlroy had met Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the PIF governor, in Dubai last November for a discussion that had been “cordial and constructive”.
He did not specify how aware he was of the talks between the PGA and the Saudis. Many PGA players have complained of being ignored, especially because the Tour claims to be a member-run organization. McIlroy is one of five golfers who sit on the PGA Board of Directors. None of them were directly involved, as were the three independent members.
