McIlroy’s relief over peace talks
HOPES THAT LIV AND TOURS CAN DO DEAL
RORY McILROY has welcomed talks today between PGA Tour stars and the Saudi Public Investment Fund – and insisted Tiger Woods has to be involved.
The PGA and DP World Tours are locked in negotiations with the backers of LIV Golf about a permanent deal to end golf civil’s war.
World No.7 Patrick Cantlay, who is on the PGA Tour policy board, revealed he is set to meet PIF governor and Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, below, today for a “meet and greet”.
Speaking last night after his final round at The Players Championship, which was won by Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy said: “I think it should have happened months ago, so I am glad that it’s happening. Hopefully, that progresses conversations and gets us closer to a solution.
“I’ve spent time with Yasir. The people that have represented him in LIV I think have done him a disservice, (LIV CEO Greg) Norman and those guys. Fundamentally he wants to do the right thing. Look, they’re a sovereign wealth fund. They want to park money for decades and not worry about it. They want to invest in smart and secure businesses, and the PGA Tour is definitely one of those, especially if they’re looking to invest in sport.” McIlroy resigned his position on the PGA Tour Board last year but Woods remains as one of the six players along with Cantlay, Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, Webb Simpson and Peter Malnati.
Asked about the 15-time Major winner, the world No.2 added: “He’s a player director. He’s on the board, so he needs to be involved.”
On the TPC Sawgrass course, 2019 winner Rory McIlroy carded another five birdies – to take his total to 26 – but also five bogeys in his level-par 72 to finish on nine-under par.
The Northern Irishman will next play in the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio starting on April 4, the week before his latest bid to win the Masters. “I think I’m headed in the right direction,” he said.
World No.1 Scheffler shot a final-round 64 to finish 20-under par, one stroke ahead of Brian Harman, Xander Schauffele and Wyndham Clark.
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick closed with four consecutive birdies in his final round 69 to finish on 16-under par. He carded all four rounds in the 60s.