Rory McIlroy makes feelings clear on Elon Musk amid Donald Trump claim

Rory McIlroy has hailed Elon Musk as the "smartest man in the world" as he suggested that new US President Donald Trump could potentially "clear the way" for a resolution in golf's ongoing dispute.

The Northern Irish golfer, who has remained steadfast to the PGA Tour amid a dispute with the breakaway LIV Golf tour, mentioned that X owner and Trump supporter Musk might expedite the process given Trump's return to the White House.

Discussions have been ongoing between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which funds LIV Golf, since a framework agreement was signed in June 2023.

In September, four-time major winner McIlroy identified a 50-50 split between players on both sides and the US Department of Justice as the main hurdles to an agreement.

The DOJ had previously insisted on removing a non-solicitation clause from the agreement. However, the incoming president can influence the DOJ's priorities, and Trump has strong ties with Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf, having hosted several of their 54-hole events at his own courses.

When asked at a press conference before the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship if he would be surprised if a deal had already been reached, as reported by a national newspaper over the weekend, McIlroy responded: "Yeah, I would, but then obviously given today's news with what's happened in America, I think that clears the way a little bit. So we'll see,".

McIlroy agreed with the view that the DOJ being more open to a deal would be "a huge moment" and in a separate interview, when asked about Trump's assertion that he could secure a deal in 15 minutes, McIlroy told Sky Sports: "He might be able to.

"He's got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him. We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too," reports the Mirror.

He further commented, "Yeah, I think from the outside looking in, it's probably a little less complicated than it actually is. But obviously Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia.

"He's got a great relationship with golf. He's a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows? But I think as the President of the United States again, he's probably got bigger things to focus on than golf."