Rory McIlroy explains LIV Golf decision as PGA Tour merger continues to stall

Rory McIlroy has insisted that his upcoming exhibition match against LIV Golf stars is not meant to convey any particular message.

Last week, McIlroy confirmed that he will compete in a Las Vegas exhibition match , teaming up with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler to play against LIV Golf League's Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka this December.

The match announcement coincides with PGA Tour officials and representatives from Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund gearing up for continued discussions in New York, aiming at a possible collaboration to unite the sport. Despite the timing, McIlroy maintains that the exhibition is not about patching up divisions within the sport.

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"I wouldn't say it's meant to send a message," McIlroy declared. "It's more we wanted to do something that, I guess, all golf fans could get excited about. You've got the best player in the world. You've got two guys in Bryson and Brooks that have won majors in the last two years. I haven't done what those guys have done the last couple years, but I've definitely been, I feel, one of the best players in the world."

This pairing of PGA and LIV competitors highlights one of the rare moments throughout the year when golfers from the opposing circuits directly face off. Apart from the major championships, LIV participants are banned from PGA events due to suspensions imposed by the organization.

"It's a way to show golf fans in the world that this is what could happen or these are the possibilities going forward," McIlroy said about the lineup. "I've been saying this for a long time: I think golf and golf fans get to see us together more than four times a year."

McIlroy continued: "I think that's what we've tried to do. It's in the middle of December. There's not a lot going on in the game of golf, so [we're] trying to get people excited about something before the season starts again. I think we all thought it was a good idea and something that hopefully is a sign of things to come in the future."

When asked about his knowledge of the negotiations with the Saudis, given his role on a key PGA Enterprises subcommittee alongside fellow icons like Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, McIlroy clarified his stance on the matter. "I don't know much about the talks that are going on. I know that there is but that's not something that I'm a part of," he maintained.

"Yeah, I mean, I think we are all in the game of golf trying to look for a solution to all this and try to move forward. So we'll see, yeah. I know as much as you do at this point, and I'm sure news will start to trickle out here in the next few days."