• Rory McIlroy claims Donald Trump prefers the PGA Tour over LIV Golf following a recent conversation on the golf course.
• Trump reportedly expressed his disapproval of LIV Golf's 54-hole format, despite hosting LIV events at his resort.
• LIV CEO Scott O'Neil is optimistic about potential investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) into PGA Tour Enterprises.
• The ongoing PGA-LIV disputes raise questions about future collaborations aimed at unifying professional golf.

Rory McIlroy, a prominent figure in professional golf, has revealed that former President Donald Trump is "not a fan" of the LIV Golf format, and instead supports the PGA Tour. Their conversation took place during a friendly golf match before Trump's inauguration in January. McIlroy noted that despite Trump having hosted LIV events at his resorts, he made it clear, stating, "Yeah, but it doesn't mean that I like it." This indicates Trump's inclination towards the PGA Tour amidst the ongoing disputes between the two golfing leagues, which began when LIV Golf was launched in 2021 with significant backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

In recent discussions, McIlroy mentioned that Trump may have influence in resolving the ongoing tensions between the PGA Tour and its LIV competitor. "The president, he can do a lot of things," McIlroy said, emphasizing Trump's direct access to key figures involved in the negotiations. These discussions could be crucial in finding a path forward as top players from both tours navigate their differences.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf Co-CEO Scott O'Neil remains optimistic regarding future collaborations, particularly with potential investments from the PIF in PGA Tour Enterprises, the for-profit wing of the PGA Tour. O'Neil expressed hope that this link could "unlock opportunities" across various markets and strengthen partnerships essential for the growth of the sport. Recently at a LIV event in Adelaide, he stated, "We're very excited about the potential investment with PIF and PGA Tour Enterprises," indicating a proactive approach to expanding LIV Golf's influence.

As discussions unfold, the golf world remains eager to see whether a unified tour can emerge from the ongoing disputes. McIlroy has called for players to set aside their differences, saying, "We’ve all benefited from all of this," urging a collective move towards a common goal within the professional golf community.

The dynamics of professional golf continue to shift as both PGA and LIV leaders navigate the complexities of their rivalry. As McIlroy and Trump engage in dialogue aimed at unifying the sport, the stakes are high for all involved.

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