Rory McIlroy’s playing partner at Alfred Dunhill has made huge windfall from LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy’s participation in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has placed him alongside notable figures from the world of golf and business, including his father Gerry, South African billionaire Johann Rupert, and Louis Oosthuizen. Oosthuizen, who made headlines when he left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf in 2022, has earned an impressive $21.7 million from 34 events, putting him 14th on LIV’s overall money list.

His presence highlights the growing influence of LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed tour that has stirred controversy within the sport. McIlroy, once a staunch critic of the tour, now seems to be softening his stance as he navigates the complex relationships between LIV, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour.

McIlroy’s softened views come at a time when the potential merger between these tours is under scrutiny, with key negotiations taking place during the championship in Scotland. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, played together during the first round, signaling potential progress toward resolving the ongoing tensions.

McIlroy expressed hope that a deal could be reached by the end of the year, despite significant obstacles such as scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice and disagreements among players. The presence of decision-makers at this historic venue could be the key to pushing the sport forward in a new direction.