Discussions between PGA Tour Enterprises and LIV Golf’s financial backers, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have intensified following the recent election of President Donald Trump. After his pro-am at the Genesis Invitational, where he played alongside Trump’s granddaughter, Rory McIlroy shared his views on Trump’s potential influence in the negotiations.

“The President, he can do a lot of things… He has direct access to Yasir’s boss,” McIlroy said, referring to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the PIF governor. “Not many people can claim, ‘I want you to get this deal done and, by the way, I’m talking to your boss.’ He can be influential.”

Following the Genesis Invitational, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott had a meeting with Trump to discuss the Department of Justice’s involvement in a potential agreement. Al-Rumayyan participated via phone, according to The New York Times.

Trump reportedly enjoyed a round of golf with Tiger Woods prior to the Super Bowl, another key player in the negotiations. While McIlroy might not be directly involved in upcoming discussions, he did play golf with Trump in early January.

“I played golf with him a few weeks ago; it was really good,” noted McIlroy. “I found out that he’s not a fan of the LIV [Golf] format, yet he has previously hosted their events. I think he’s more aligned with the Tour.”

This marks a noteworthy shift for McIlroy, who was vocal in his criticism of Trump back in 2020 and stated he would not play golf with him again if the opportunity arose. Yet, after November’s election, McIlroy appears more open to the prospect of Trump aiding in the negotiations due to his unique position and connections.