Rory: Golf fans 'frustrated' by lengthy PIF negotiations

Rory McIlroy offered a candid take on the apparent lack of progress in the negotiations between the PGA TOUR and LIV's Saudi backers that would bring both circuits together.

"Anyone that cares about golf, I think, has to be frustrated," he said Thursday at East Lake, according to GOLF.com. "I think anyone that cares about the PGA TOUR has to be frustrated because we're … not putting forward the absolute best product that we can.

"I get the argument that these guys left and that was their choice and whatever. But I just think that it's gone on long enough. I think everyone is trying to find a solution, it's just a solution is hard to get to."

He added, "Even though I was on the wrong side of things (at) the U.S. Open with Bryson (Dechambeau) and I, you're only really going to get that four times a year at most. I think the game of golf deserves having those sort of things happen more."

The PGA TOUR and Saudi Public Investment Fund first announced a framework agreement in June 2023.

In March, PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan said a merger was still the "best outcome" for the sport, but he was unable to provide any significant updates on the state of negotiations.

Details have remained scarce. Two days after the one-year anniversary of the initial merger announcement, the PGA TOUR said "more progress was made" in its recent talks with PIF.

Monahan asked for patience Wednesday, emphasizing that he's aiming to achieve "the best and right outcome at the right time."

McIlroy, meanwhile, expressed concerns about what might happen if the talks drag on for much longer.

"If it doesn't happen soon, then honestly, I think PIF and the Saudis are going to have to look at alternative options, right?" he said. "I think that's probably the next step in all this if something doesn't get done."

McIlroy entered Friday's action tied for 10th place at the TOUR Championship.