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Rory McIlroy was one of a number of top golfers to take part in a three-hour conference call with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund on Friday night
By Neil McLeman
Rory McIlroy playing at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio (Image: GETTY)
Rory McIlroy is feeling optimistic after a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). PGA Tour players sat down to speak with the Saudis about the future.
The PGA Tour and the PIF had announced a framework agreement on June 6 last year, but progress towards a permanent deal has been slow.
However, after taking time out from the Memorial Tournament to join a three-hour conference call with the PIF, McIlroy said of the meeting: "Very productive, very constructive, very collaborative. I think those are probably three words I would use to describe it.
"Yeah, it was really good. Definitely things are heading in the right direction. A lot of progress was made. I can't really say much more than that, but it was really positive. Definitely encouraged."
The future of LIV Golf is a key topic in these discussions. McIlroy further explained: "You've got to understand, they're a sovereign wealth fund.
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"They invest in companies and in different things and they want a return on their investment. That's what they want.
"It doesn't seem like they're getting that at the minute within golf. Hopefully if things progress and we get to a certain point, then hopefully they see a future where that can happen, they can start to get some returns on their money.
The PGA Tour also confirmed that talks with the PIF are 'accelerating' following a meeting in New York City.
"As previously stated, our negotiations with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have accelerated in recent months," the statement read.
"Representatives from the PGA Tour Enterprises Transaction Subcommittee and the PIF have been meeting multiple times weekly to work through potential deal terms and come to a shared vision on the future of professional golf.
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"On Friday evening, an in-person session in New York City included the entire Transaction Subcommittee and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and his team, where more progress was made.
"We remain committed to these negotiations, which require working through complex considerations to best position golf for global growth.
"We want to get this right, and we are approaching discussions with careful consideration for our players, our fans, our partners and the game's future."
Jon Rahm pulled out of the LIV Golf event in Houston with a foot injury. The US Open starts in Pinehurst on Thursday.
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