Rory McIlroy reckons Trump presidency could be key to resolving golf's PGA-LIV rift

The four-time major champion also noted that Elon Musk, a Trump supporter and owner of social media platform X, might expedite the process.

Discussions among the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV Golf, have been ongoing since a framework agreement was signed in June 2023.

In September, McIlroy cited the US Department of Justice (DOJ) as one of the major barriers to an agreement, with the DOJ previously requiring the removal of a non-solicitation clause from the agreement.

The next President could influence DOJ priorities, and Trump's close ties with Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf - having hosted several LIV events at his courses - could play a role.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy was asked if he would be surprised to learn a deal had already been finalized, as suggested by a weekend newspaper report.

"Yeah, I would, but then obviously given today's news with what's happened in America, I think that clears the way a little bit. So we'll see," he said.

McIlroy also acknowledged that a more favorable stance from the DOJ would be "a huge moment" in moving toward a resolution. In a separate interview, he was asked about Trump's bold claim that he could secure a deal "in 15 minutes."

"He might be able to," McIlroy told Sky Sports. "He's got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too.

"Yeah, I think from the outside looking in, it's probably a little less complicated than it actually is.

"But obviously Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He's got a great relationship with golf. He's a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?

"But I think as the President of the United States again, he's probably got bigger things to focus on than golf."