Rory McIlroy sends concerning LIV Golf warning to PGA Tour chiefs as 'frustration' tells

Rory McIlroy has warned that the backers of LIV Golf could take drastic action if talks with the PGA Tour continue to stall .

Speaking after the first round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, McIlroy expressed his frustration over the lack of progress in discussions between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sponsors of LIV Golf.

"I think anyone that cares about golf, I think has to be frustrated," he said. "I think anyone that cares about the PGA Tour has to be frustrated because we're not putting forward the absolute best product that we can."

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He added: "I just think that it's gone on long enough. I think everyone is trying to find a solution. It's just a solution is hard to get to."

To illustrate his point, McIlroy referred to his painful defeat at Pinehurst No.

2 earlier this summer, where he lost a two-shot lead over eventual champion Bryson DeChambeau with five holes left. "I go back to, even though I was on the wrong side of things, like the U.S. Open with Bryson, and you're only really going to get that four times a year at most," the Northern Irishman continued.

"I think the game of golf deserves having those sort of things happen more than just four times a year."

McIlroy has painted a bleak picture of what could happen if LIV Golf and the PGA Tour fail to reach an agreement soon, saying: "I think if it doesn't happen soon, then honestly, I think PIF and the Saudis are going to have to look at alternative options, right? " he said.

"I'd say that's the next step in all this if something doesn't get done."

When asked to elaborate on his assessment, McIlroy added: "There are other tours in which they could invest... but then it keeps the game divided."

McIlroy's frank analysis follows another vague update from Jay Monahan about the current stage of negotiations with LIV. The PGA Tour commissioner confirmed there is no set deadline for a deal, but said talks of reunification between the rival circuits have been "enhanced" and are "stronger."

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"We're in regular dialogue," he told media members on Wednesday. "We have the right people at the table with the right mindset. I see that in all of these conversations, and that's both sides. That creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together."

"But at the same time, these conversations are complex. They're going to take time. They have taken time, and they will continue to take time."

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