Report: Rory McIlroy ally gets new job months after quitting PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy's close ally, Jimmy Dunne, has found a new job months after he quit the PGA Tour's policy board in an apparent strop.
Rory McIlroy's ally, Jimmy Dunne, has got a new job five months after resigning from the PGA Tour's policy board in an apparent strop.
Dunne played a key role in brokering the surprise framework agreement between the North American circuit and LIV Golf's Saudi backers.
He reached out to LIV chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan over a simple WhatsApp message and was involved in several secret meetings across the globe.
Dunne was asked to join the board in January 2023 by commissioner Jay Monahan.
He resigned from his post on the eve of the PGA Championship, citing his frustration at the lack of progress in finalising the deal.
In an explosive resignation letter, Dunne said his role had become 'utterly superfluous'.
The assumed explanation is that several high-profile players, such as Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth, were furious with Dunne for brokering the deal behind players' backs and he was left out in the cold.
Dunne reportedly asked for McIlroy to rejoin the board to help break the impasse in negotiations, but the Northern Irishman's return was blocked.
McIlroy quit the board in November 2023, citing professional and personal commitments.
But the four-times major champion later admitted that he felt as though he was banging his head against a brick wall as he attempted to get his point of view across.
According to Golfweek, Dunne has now been added to the board of Troon Golf.
Troon Golf manages nearly 1,000 golf clubs worldwide.
Troon's president and chief executive, Tim Shantz, said in a statement: "We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy Dunne to Troon's board.
"His leadership, experience, business acumen and passion for golf will help the company continue to touch new areas in and around golf and golf-related hospitality.
"Jimmy's commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with Troon's vision, and we’re confident he’ll have a strong impact on the company."
Dunne said: "I'm excited to join the Board of Troon and work closely with Tim and the rest of his terrific team.
"I have always enjoyed playing the Troon golf courses and the more I've learned about the entire company, the more impressed I have become by all its offerings.
"I'm looking forward to helping Troon any way I possibly can."
Dunne's connections to the golf world are extensive.
The Wall Street dealmaker is a member at the uber-exclusive Seminole Golf Club and Augusta National.
It is understood Dunne helped McIlroy's father, Gerry, become a member at Seminole.
