'We almost knew before LIV players did': McIlroy was aware of Saudi exit plans in March

LUCK OF THE IRISH: Rory McIlroy is bidding for a seventh major title this week. Pic: Carolyn Kaster/AP

Even in this era of post-peace, some wartime habits die hard. Saudi Arabia’s hostile takeover of golf looks to be essentially over, with its LIV venture facing a most bleak future.

Having long since moved towards diplomacy, Rory McIlroy has not been too quick to explicitly revel in its downfall.