Rory McIlroy has joined forces with Tiger Woods and Adam Scott on a PGA Tour subcommittee for talks with LIV Golf's backers. It comes after conversations between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund - who back LIV - that started nearly a year ago regarding a potential merger.
The proposed deal would likely heal the rift within the world of golf caused by LIV's launch two years ago, which saw numerous top players defect from the PGA Tour.
However, an agreement is still pending among all involved parties. Originally, McIlroy was not expected to participate in these discussions due to his departure from the PGA Tour's policy board last November.
There have been longstanding rumours regarding McIlroy's return to the policy board, whose members include other notable golfers such as Woods, Patrick Cantlay, and Jordan Spieth. However, according to McIlroy himself, this proved to be "complicated" and "messy".
Further adding to the complexity of the situation is the reported strain on the relationship between McIlroy and Woods, caused by their differing views on golf's future - according to Golf Digest. It has been reported that Woods was against McIlroy rejoining the PGA Tour's policy board.
Despite this alleged discord, McIlroy is set to play a major role in the PGA Tour's merger discussions with the PIF, stating at the Wells Fargo Championship: "I'm not on the board, but I'm in some way involved in that transaction committee.
"I don't have a vote so I don't have I guess a meaningful say in what happens in the future, but at least I feel like I can be helpful on that committee. And that was sort of a compromise for I guess not getting a board seat."
Before the ongoing tournament at Quail Hollow, where he shot four-under-par in his first round, McIlroy revealed there was a "subset of people on the (policy) board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason."
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, speaking before the Wells Fargo Championship began, said McIlroy would have an "important influence" on the organisation's future. He was questioned about McIlroy being denied the opportunity to rejoin the board.
"Today's news is in no way a commentary on Rory's important influence," Monahan stated. "It's simply a matter of adherence to our governance process by which a tour player becomes a board member."
He added: "Webb (Simpson, who McIlroy was tipped to replace) remaining in his position as a member of the policy board and PGA Tour Enterprises board through the end of his term provides the continuity needed at this vital time.
"We are making progress in our negations with the PIF and are working as a collective - the player directors, our boards and tour management - to remain open-minded to all avenues that advance the tour in the best interest of our players, our partners and, most importantly, our fans."
It's believed McIlroy, Woods and Scott will be joined on the subcommittee by Monahan, fellow golfer Joe Ogilvie, John Henry of Strategic Sports Group (SSG) and PGA Tour Enterprises chair Joe Gorder.
