Rory McIlroy has hinted that Donald Trump's potential return to the White House could expedite peace negotiations between traditional golf tours and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. McIlroy even mused about the possibility of Elon Musk getting involved in golf's protracted merger plans. It has long been speculated that a Trump victory in the US presidential election could have a positive impact on golf. Trump has business ties to Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf, which is funded by the PIF, having previously hosted events for the PGA Tour.

A framework agreement announced in June 2023 aimed to unite previously feuding factions, but progress has been sluggish. One reason for this is the close scrutiny by the US Department of Justice over Saudi Arabia's foray into mainstream sports. McIlroy dismissed recent reports suggesting a deal was imminent. "Given today's news with what has happened in America, I think that clears the way a little bit. So we'll see," he said. The Northern Irishman noted that it would be "a huge moment" if the DOJ became more open to a formal agreement between the PGA Tour and the Saudis.

Trump had previously boasted that he could align professional golf within 15 minutes. "He might be able to," McIlroy said. "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." McIlroy believes that from an outsider's perspective, the situation might seem less complex than it actually is. However, Trump has strong relationships with both Saudi Arabia and golf. He is a passionate golfer, so perhaps, he could make a difference. "But I think as the President of the United States again, he's probably got bigger things to focus on than golf," McIlroy added.

Another consequence of the election across the Atlantic is for the R&A, which has steadfastly refused to bring The Open back to Turnberry since Trump acquired the Ayrshire resort in 2014. Turnberry's wait for The Open is unlikely to end soon, with Portmarnock potentially joining the list of courses for the world's oldest major.

McIlroy was speaking in the Middle East, where he will compete in back-to-back weeks to secure the DP World Tour's order of merit. McIlroy, who has already won the Race to Dubai title five times, will play in Abu Dhabi this weekend before the season concludes in Dubai. He currently holds a significant lead in the points table. "Going for my third in a row, trying to go for six overall, it's a pretty meaningful thing to do," McIlroy said. "Trying to get to Colin Montgomerie's number of eight, or maybe surpass, is definitely a goal in the future. But I think right now I just have to focus on trying to get that sixth one and go from there."

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