Rory McIlroy set to address media in wake of announcement that PGA and DP World Tour will merge with LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy is set to address the media later on Wednesday for the first time since the shock declaration of peace in golf's civil war.

McIlroy and Tiger Woods had established themselves as the biggest supporters of the PGA Tour in its battle with LIV Golf, but both were kept in the dark about the stunning deal announced on Tuesday.

Fellow players reacted with surprise and a sense of betrayal at the news that the PGA Tour and DP World Tour were merging their commercial operations with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.

The announcement came after 12 months of unprecedented disruption in the men's professional game following the launch of LIV, which held its first event from 9-11 June in 2022 in Hertfordshire.

Defending champion McIlroy is scheduled to give a press conference ahead of the RBC Canadian Open following Wednesday's pre-tournament pro-am.

Former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, one of the most high-profile recruits to LIV Golf, described the agreement as "the best thing that could ever happen for the game of golf."

He told CNN: "The fans are going to get what they want. I want the fans, the players and the game of golf to win. In the end, the game of golf wins in this scenario.

"We are better together and not apart."

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan accepted he will be labelled a hypocrite and admitted players who turned down millions to join LIV Golf could be compensated.

Players reacted with surprise and a sense of betrayal at the news after 12 months of unprecedented disruption in the men's professional game following the launch of LIV, which held its first event from 9-11 June in 2022 in Hertfordshire.

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