The DOJ and "different interests from the players' side" are holding up negotiations, McIlroy said, adding that there is still optimism in the process.

The Northern Irishman believes the DOJ is one of the central reasons why negotiations between golf’s two biggest organizations continue to falter.

The PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been in talks over a potential merger for more than a year and while progress is being made, there are still a number of key issues to be ironed out