Once unthinkable image says it all... and is further proof golf’s civil war may be nearing an end

The golf world has been given the biggest clue yet that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are close to settling their differences and merging.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words — and images snapped of two leading golf figures certainly say a lot.

The golf world has been given the biggest clue yet that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are close to settling their differences and merging after the chiefs of both golfing bodies teed it up together at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland on Thursday.

The DP World Tour event staged across fabled courses St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns has long been a key event in the golfing calendar for its pro-am format which attracts A-list celebrities – this year it features the likes of England cricket legend James Anderson, surfing great Kelly Slater as well as actors Bill Murray and Michael Douglas.

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But the stars took a back seat for the suits this week with all eyes on PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and governor of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

The pair were involved in what was described in commentary as a “meeting of the minds” and it certainly looked to be quite the amicable exchange.

Jay Monahan and Yassir Al-Rumayyan meet each other as playing partners. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

They certainly looked happy. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Monahan was playing with American Billy Horschel – who won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in England - last month and for the opening round at Carnoustie they have been paired with Al-Rumayyan and South African LIV golfer Dean Burmester.

The pairing is unlikely to have been by chance and instead sends a clear message to the golfing world that the two head honchos are determined to reach a peace deal.

Rory McIlroy has been the PGA Tour’s mouthpiece for much of the last three years and the Northern Irishman will once again be at the centre of proceedings as he and his father Gerry will play with Monahan at Kingsbarns on Friday followed by Al-Rumayyan at the St Andrews Old Course on Saturday.

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has already added to the ongoing feud between men’s professional golf’s warring factions by inviting 14 LIV golfers – including Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka – to play in their event.

The welcoming of those from the Greg Norman-lead breakaway league marks a stark contrast to last year’s tournament where Al-Rumayyan took part under an alias – Andrew Waterman – before he was quickly identified on arrival at the Scottish links.

McIlroy was asked during a practice round at St Andrews by BBC Northern Ireland for his thoughts on the changing landscape and the world number three was full of praise.

“It’s a great thing and a good sign that Jay and Yasir are playing together on Thursday,” McIlroy said.

“I think it is a step in the right direction.

“Time will tell if things go in the direction I want them to, or a lot of people want them to.

“I think we all understand it is not easy and, you know, change for the most part in golf is resisted because it is such a traditional sport. But I think at this point in time I think change is needed to sort of try and drive the game forward and hopefully we can get to that point.”

PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan playing a practice round with @BillyHo_Golf this morning. The boss of golf is paired with PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan on Thursday! pic.twitter.com/gvBOiN2ruV

— Today's Golfer (@TheTodaysGolfer) October 2, 2024

The biggest revelation of all came soon after from McIlroy, however.

He suggested that the end of the ongoing PGA Tour/LIV Golf is in sight.

“Definitely before the year’s end (negotiations will conclude),” he said.

“It’s a pretty complicated deal, but I think we’ll know more by the year’s end hopefully.”

The high-profile pairing also drew plaudits from golf commentators on social media.

Golf writer Dan Rapaport led the chorus of golf-loving people hoping that the spirit of St Andrews may inspire peace.

“What better place to set aside the bickering and division of the last 3 years – to get the focus back on growing this great game – than at Home of Golf?!” he said.

“Fingers crossed for some St Andrew’s magic.”

Originally published as Once unthinkable image says it all... and is further proof golf’s civil war may be nearing an end