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Rory McIlroy Envisions PGA Tour-Saudi PIF Deal By the End of 2024

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2 years ago

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The original deadline to finalize the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)  was Dec. 31, 2024.

If Rory McIlroy is to be believed, that may have been one year off. 

Speaking at this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, McIlroy is confident that a deal will be struck before we ring in 2025.

McIlroy, who is a member of the PGA Tour Enterprises transaction subcommittee that is tasked with negotiating the deal, said:

“Definitely before the year’s end. Maybe it is going too slow for the people who follow golf, but I think in the business world deals of this size take time. You know, you are talking about billions of dollars changing hands, different jurisdictions in the Middle East, U.S., and Europe.”

This event, part of the DP World Tour, is a pro-am, where PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan are both taking part. On Thursday, Monahan and Billy Horschel were in the same group with Al-Rumayyan and Dean Burmester.

On Friday, McIlroy – who is paired with his father, Gerry – will play with Monahan and will then play with Al-Rumayyan on Saturday, showing that he might be the ultimate peacekeeper for this deal. 

McIlroy said:

“You know, there’s no better place than the home of golf to get everyone together and talking. It’s a great thing and a good sign that Jay and Yasir are both here and playing together. It is a step in the right direction. Time will tell if things go in the direction I and a lot of people want them to.”

By the way, Gerry McIlroy is carrying his weight at Carnoustie.

The last official meeting between the sides took place last month in New York.

Cover Image via Sky Sports

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Chris has worked in sports journalism for nearly 20 years and also loves the game of golf, even though it often doesn't love him back. Year-round golf is a perk of living in Florida, where Chris moved from his native New York shortly after graduating from college. Chris has played some famous courses in the state, including Bay Hill in Orlando and Innisbrook in the Tampa Bay area, and next on his to-do list is the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass to take a crack at the famous island hole.

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