Trump presidency could clear the way for golf: McIlroy

Talks between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls LIV Golf, have been ongoing since the signing of a framework agreement in June 2023.

McIlroy said in September a 50-50 split between players on both sides and the US Department of Justice represented the biggest obstacles to a deal, with the DOJ having already forced a non-solicitation clause to be removed from the framework agreement.

However, the incoming president will be able to influence the priorities of the DOJ and Trump has a close relationship with Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf, with several of their 54-hole events being staged at Trump-owned courses.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy was asked if he would be surprised if a deal had already been completed, as was reported in a national newspaper at the weekend.

"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," McIlroy, who played in the same group as PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the Dunhill Links Championship recently, said.

McIlroy also agreed with the suggestion the DOJ being more amenable to a deal would be "a huge moment" and was asked in a separate interview about Trump's 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."