Two top PGA Tour stars have 'frank discussion' over controversial comments

Both Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy are two of the top stars on the PGA Tour. They have both defended the tour throughout this turbulent period of players joining LIV Golf. Recently, it came to light that Spieth and McIlroy had a "frank discussion" with one another after Spieth's comments regarding a potential PIF deal.

Two top PGA Tour stars have 'frank discussion' over controversial comments

Spieth created a mild controversy when he said that, after the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) invested up to $3 billion in the PGA Tour, that a deal with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) may not be necessary. Spieth went on to clarify that he is not against the PGA Tour partnering with PIF, he just wants a deal that makes sense for everyone.

Where McIlroy disagreed with Spieth's comments was that he felt with Spieth being one of the more public faces of the PGA Tour, his comments could be seen as a dissuading influence on PIF and other investors who may feel their money is not wanted.

Spieth and McIlroy had an hour-long conversation to clear the air on the matter and it seems as if there is not any bad blood between them. They just are not 100% on the same page on this matter and may feel slightly differently on what the SSG deal means for the PGA Tour going forward.

Ultimately, it is a bit of a shame that professional golf has become so bifurcated and complex ever since the LIV Golf entity arose and upended the game. Players like Spieth and McIlroy would much rather not be having to debate the merits of one revenue source over another for their tour's viability going forward, but that is the current state of professional golf.

This is likely not the last conversation Spieth and McIlroy will have to have with one another about these complex issues as the PGA Tour tries to navigate its future.