by Rory McIlroy’s ally Jimmy Dunne has got a new job five months after resigning PGA Tour‘s policy board in an obvious strop.
Dunne played a key role in brokering the surprise framework agreement between the North American circuit and LIV Golf’s Saudi backers.
He contacted LIV Chairman and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan through a simple WhatsApp message and was involved in several secret meetings around the world.
Dunne was asked to join the board by Commissioner Jay Monahan in January 2023.
He resigned from his position on the eve of the PGA Championship, citing his frustration with the lack of progress in finalizing the contract.
Ron Price (L) Jimmy Dunne (R)
In an explosive resignation letter, Dunne said his role had become “completely unnecessary”.
The suggested explanation is that several high-profile players, such as Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth, were angry at Dunne for negotiating the deal behind the players’ backs, and he was left out in the cold.
Dunne reportedly asked for McIlroy to rejoin the board to resolve the impasse in negotiations, but the Northern Irishman’s return was blocked.
McIlroy left the board in November 2023, citing professional and personal commitments.
But the four-time major champion later admitted he felt like he was banging his head against a brick wall as he tried to get his point across.
Accordingly Golf weekDunne has now been added to the board of Troon Golf.
Troon Golf manages almost 1,000 golf clubs worldwide.
Troon President and CEO Tim Shantz said in a statement: “We are pleased to welcome Jimmy Dunne to Troon’s board.”
“His leadership, experience, business acumen and passion for golf will help the company continue to expand into new areas in and around golf and golf hospitality.”
“Jimmy’s commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with Troon’s vision and we are confident he will have a strong impact on the company.”
Rory McIlroy
Dunne said: “I am delighted to be joining Troon’s board and working closely with Tim and the rest of his great team.”
“I have always enjoyed playing at the Troon golf courses and the more I have learned about the entire company, the more impressed I am with all it has to offer.”
“I look forward to helping Troon in any way I can.”
Dunne’s connections to the golf world are extensive.
The Wall Street dealmaker is a member of the ultra-exclusive Seminole Golf Club and Augusta National.
It is believed that Dunne helped McIlroy’s father, Gerry, become a member of Seminole.
