“But I think at this point in time, change is needed to drive the game forward and hopefully we can get to that point.”

Asked about how quickly a resolution can be reached, McIlroy he hoped “before year’s end” although he added that it’s a “pretty complicated deal”.

“Maybe it’s going too slow for the people that follow golf. In the business world, deals of this size take time. You are talking about billions of dollars changing hands, different jurisdictions.

“I think we’ll know a lot more by year’s end. We’re in October so hopefully [there’s] three months to get something done.”

McIlroy’s father will celebrate his 65th birthday on Saturday by playing alongside his son at St Andrews as the duo aim for victory in the team event after several near misses.

“We’ve been close before to win the team event. Haven’t quite gotten over the line. It’s just lovely to spend the week with him and my mum being here as well.”