California - Sept 12, V7N - In the world of professional golf, two major storylines have emerged - one involving a high-profile exhibition match and the other centered around a defending champion's return to a familiar tournament.

Rory McIlroy Joins Forces with Scottie Scheffler to Face LIV Golf Stars

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has teamed up with fellow star Scottie Scheffler to take on LIV Golf League players Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in an upcoming exhibition match. McIlroy, however, insisted that the decision was not meant to send a message, but rather to provide golf fans with an exciting event."It's more we wanted to do something that, I guess, all golf fans could get excited about," McIlroy said. "You've got the best player in the world (Scheffler).

You've got two guys in Bryson and Brooks that have won majors in the last two years. You've got me in there, who -- I haven't done what those guys have done the last couple years but I've definitely been, I feel, one of the best players in the world."The exhibition match comes as the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which finances the LIV Golf League, are set to meet in New York to discuss a potential investment aimed at repairing the split in men's professional golf. McIlroy acknowledged the "peculiar timing" of the meeting, but maintained that he is hopeful a resolution can be reached.

"I think everyone in the game would love there to be one (a resolution)," McIlroy told BBC Sport Northern Ireland. "A solution is hard to get to because there are different interests and people want different things. There's going to have to be compromise on both sides but, hopefully, they're the things they're talking about in those meetings.

Sahith Theegala Defends Procore Championship Title in Napa

Closer to the action, California native Sahith Theegala is set to defend his Procore Championship title this week in Napa, California. Theegala, the event's defending champion, is eager to return to a tournament he has grown to love, even before his victory last year."I just know it's going to be a super fun week because a lot of my family really makes an effort to come up here, a lot of my friends come up, a lot of my girlfriend's friends will be here, and family.

It will just be a really fun time," Theegala said.Theegala's triumph at last year's event, known then as the Fortinet Championship, remains his lone PGA Tour victory since debuting in 2020. The 26-year-old is wary of the challenges posed by the Silverado Country Club course, but is confident in his ability to navigate the layout."You need a good break or two to win.

If you're not a super world beater, I think you need a little bit of luck to go your way. It did for me (last year)," Theegala said.As the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup Fall slate gets underway, Theegala will look to defend his title and build on his strong performances this season, which have included eight top-10 finishes and a pair of runner-up results.

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