Rory McIlroy: World number three to battle key duo involved in LIV talks

Rory McIlroy hopes the presence at the Dunhill Links Championship of the two men centrally involved in talks aimed at ending the split in professional men’s golf is a “good sign” that progress is being made.

McIlroy, who is competing with father Gerry in this week’s pro-am event in Scotland, will play at Kingsbarns on Friday alongside PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who has been paired with Billy Horschel this week.

World number three McIlroy will then battle Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan and South African LIV golfer Dean Burmester in St Andrews on Saturday.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund supports the 48-participant LIV Golf competition, which has enrolled many of the world’s top players over the past three years, including Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson.

Monahan and Al-Rumayyan will play alongside their professionals in the same fourball when they tee off at Carnoustie on Thursday.

“There’s no better place than the home of golf to get everyone together and talk,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.

“I think it’s a great thing and a good sign that Jay and Yasir are going to play together. And obviously you have quite a large contingent left from LIV playing in this event.”