Donald Trump’s return to the White House has provoked various reactions in the world of sport. The newly elected president has a close relationship with golf, a sport he practices very assiduously. The businessman has numerous complexes around the globe and his good relationship with a large number of golfers is well known. Rory McIlroy, who this week is playing in Abu Dhabi in the first of the final DP World Tour playoffs, has spoken about the influence that the tycoon could exert on the complicated relations between the LIV (financed by Saudi Arabia) and the PGA Tour.
Rory McIlroy, results
Perhaps the most curious thing is that the Northern Irishman has commented that it could also be of great help if Elon Musk were to get involved in this matter. Let us remember that the negotiations between the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and the PGA had intensified with the meeting between Jay Monahan -CEO of the American circuit- and Yasir Al-Rumayyan -president of the PIF-, during the Dunhill Links.
McIlroy already commented a few months ago that the US Department of Justice was one of the main obstacles to reaching an agreement, due to the country’s competition laws, which exist for a reason. His statements have gone in this direction: “This can clear the way a little.” Rory may be right, since Trump can intervene indirectly through key appointments in his government that pave the way.
Just before the election day, Trump said on Bill Belichick’s podcast ‘Let’s Go’ that it would only take him “15 minutes to get that agreement done.” According to McIlroy, “He might be able to do it. He has Elon Musk at his side, who I think is the smartest man in the world,” said the European player, who sees the owner of ‘X’ as a key piece: “We could do something if we get Musk involved as well. It’s not that complicated. Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia and he has a great relationship with golf. He’s a golf lover. But I think that, as president of the United States, he probably has more important things to focus on than golf.”
That’s where Rory may be wrong, because no president has ever played golf as many days during his term as Trump. For him, this sport is a passion, but it’s also business. Although it’s a business dispute, it’s most likely that the new president will be interested in getting involved in this matter, since Saudi Arabia is betting heavily on entering the American market.