Rory McIlroy has lately been vocal about his support for a golf world tour that would unify the game and benefit players and fans alike. However, this was not always the case, as McIlroy used to be a staunch defender of the PGA Tour and its commissioner, Jay Monahan. The 34-year-old also revealed he is the man behind the merger, as he was the first person to meet Yasir Al Rumayyan and told the governing board to talk to Al Rumayyan to form amicable relationships. The sudden change of heart that the Northern Irishman had shocked the golf world. But now, as per the latest information, what appeared to be a sudden shift was not so sudden!

In a recent interview, Keith Pеllеy openly talked about the merger, LIV Golf, and the future of golf. From that interview, here are the three things that show how McIlroy’s conversion was not a day’s work but a gradual process influenced by the changing landscape of professional golf.

1. Kеith Pеllеy’s vision of a global game

Kеith Pеllеy has been a key figure in pushing for a deal that would see the existing bodies work together with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund to run elite golf. Pеllеy has stressed the importance of remembering the “global” nature of golf and how “every business now that is growing wants to be global.”

Pеllеy’s vision resonates with McIlroy, who has been saying these days that his ‘dream scenario’ is a ‘world tour’. “My dream scenario is a world tour, with the proviso that corporate America has to remain a big part of it all,” the 24x PGAT winner said after the change of heart.

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2. The change of heart of many top-tier players

Pеllеy has also revealed that many of the top players in the US, who initially did not support the framework agreement that was announced in June are now starting to realize that the best way forward is to unify the game. He further said, “I think we will know the direction of travel over the next couple of months.”

McIlroy was one of those players who was skeptical about the deal and was a vocal critic of the breakaway league. However, McIlroy has changed his tunе and has admitted that he was “too judgmental” of the Saudi-funded league. He has also acknowledged that the game needs to evolve and grow globally, for everyone to grow.

3. The impact of Jon Rahm’s defection

Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf defection has created a lot of buzz, and many people have criticized his move, except a few. Pеllеy has said that he respects Rahm’s decision for his family, but he also mentioned that he would like for the game to get unified. “If the game didn’t unify, I would be quite disappointed,” said Pelley.

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McIlroy was the first one to openly support the Spaniard’s move and said that he would like to see Rahm play at the Ryder Cup. Previously, he even asked the DPWT to ‘rewrite the rules’ to make him play. After the realization that he is already eligible to play in the Ryder Cup, the 4x major champion said, “All I was really trying to say was that we need Jon Rahm on the European team, whatever way that can happen.”

Is it a coincidence that McIlroy shares the same thoughts as Pelley, or is it something else? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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