Rory McIlroy has revealed South African businessman Johann Rupert is trying to broker a peace deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Rupert, who runs the Dunhill Links Championship that McIlroy is playing in this week, is widely regarded to be Africa's richest person.
With a reported net worth of £10.7billion, the 74-year-old controls luxury goods firm Richemont.
And along with McIlroy, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings have all accepted invites to the tournament in Scotland.
It is the first time the trio have met since the Saudi backed venture was launched in the summer of 2022, with crucial talks over a potential merger expected to take place. And the Northern Irishman praised the efforts of Rupert in trying to get all parties to enter negotiations.
"I think what Johann Rupert, the man who runs this event, is trying to do is just bring the golf world back together a little bit," he said. "If we need to be forced together in some way, he's trying to do that. I think it will be good. It's certainly a step in the right direction."
Rupert is no stranger to investing in sport. In 1990, the former cricketer created the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and previously owned a 50 per cent stake in English rugby union side Saracens.
He also serves as chairman of the South African PGA Tour and chairman of the South African Golf Development Board, and famously helped create the Gary Player designed Leopard Creek Golf Club course in Mpumalanga. And McIlroy, 35, even praised the businessman for inviting a large LIV contingent to his event, that sees amateur players compete alongside seasoned professionals.
"There's no better place than the home of golf to try and get everyone together and talking," he added. "And obviously you've got quite a big contingent over from LIV that are playing in this event."
In an intriguing development, Monahan and Al-Rumayyan have been drawn in the same group on Thursday, with the four-time major champion star saying: "I think it's a great thing and good sign that Jay and Yasir are going to play together."
In June 2023, the PGA and DP World Tours surprisingly announced they had come to a 'framework agreement' for the merger with PIF, who have funded the LIV Golf venture. However, progress has since been slow, with McIlroy recently admitting players were in the dark over talks.
Another star central to the divide, Jon Rahm, has publicly said he won't pay the fines imposed on him for his switch to LIV last December, leaving his place at the 2025 Ryder Cup in doubt. The Spaniard, who is appeaking the sanctions, has been seen in conversation with Monahan on the practice range this week.
