Rory McIlroy makes bold LIV Golf prediction as key figures unite at St Andrews

Despite agreeing a framework deal in June 2023, both parties have still yet finalised terms on a deal that would bring an end to the civil war present within men’s professional golf.

This week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, however, could offer a key forum for negotiation with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan both competing in the pro-am event at St Andrews.

Both key figures will be playing together on Thursday alongside PGA Tour veteran Billy Horschel, while World No.3 McIlroy will also play with both on Friday and Saturday respectively.

While several deadlines for a deal between the PGA Tout and LIV Golf have come and gone, McIlroy is hopeful that this week can be the catalyst for meaningful progress.

‘There’s no better place than the home of golf to try and get everyone together and talking,’ the Northern Irishman, who will team up with his dad Gerry in the pro-am event, told the BBC.

‘I think it’s a great thing and good sign that Jay and Yasir are going to play together. And obviously you’ve got quite a big contingent over from LIV that are playing in this event.

‘They both want the same thing too. It’s a matter of getting all the different constituents on board.’

Pressed on a timeline for a potential deal, McIlroy added: ‘Maybe it’s going too slow for the people that follow golf. In the business world, deals of this size take time. You are talking about billions of dollars changing hands, different jurisdictions.

‘I think we’ll know a lot more by year’s end. We’re in October so hopefully [there’s] three months to get something done.’

Alongside Al-Rumayyan, there will be a strong contingent of LIV Golf stars at this week’s high-profile DP World Tour event oweing to sponsor exemptions.

Five=time major champion Brooks Koepka headlines the LIV contingent which also features European Ryder Cup stars Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is the defending champion.