Rory McIlroy said he regrets becoming so involved in golf’s internal conflict between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV series.
The Northern Irish golf ace became a staunch advocate for the PGA Tour amid the fierce clash ignited in 2022 by the emergence of the rival faction. McIlroy stood firm on his stance that players should stick with the established Tour, often seen alongside commissioner Jay Monahan during the height of the dispute.
Yet, the world’s number three has acknowledged that his focus on the game waned due to the energy he poured into these off-the-green issues. This realization led him to step down from the PGA Tour players’ board, shifting his attention back to clinching tournament victories.
His decision seems to have paid off, with triumphs at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Wells Fargo Championship under his belt. Now, as he prepares for the Canadian Open, where he’s tipped as a top contender, McIlroy reflects on his past involvement with LIV, reports the Mirror.
Reflecting on his choices, McIlroy remarked: “In hindsight, I wish I hadn’t have gotten involved or not ‘hadn’t have gotten involved’ but hadn’t have gotten as deeply involved in it, and I’ve articulated that.”
For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here.
“I’ve said that I hold no grudge to the guys that chose to go and play on LIV. Everyone’s got their own decisions to make, and everyone has the right to make those decisions. My whole thing is I’m just disappointed what it’s done to not to the game of golf, the game of golf will be fine but men’s professional golf and this sort of divide we have at the minute.”
“Hopefully, we’re on a path to sorting that out and getting that to come back together, but, yeah, hindsight’s always 20/20, but in hindsight I wish I hadn’t got as deeply involved as I have.”
McIlroy seems to have learned from his past mistakes with LIV, having lamented he was too deep in it all. In previous remarks, he voiced support for players returning to the PGA Tour without penalties, calling it an oversight on his part after witnessing Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm’s whopping $300million pact to step away from the PGA Tour for LIV.
This isn’t the first time McIlroy considered switching allegiances himself, due to eagle-eyed observation back in February. When ex-agent Chubby Chandler hinted there is a “10% chance” of the Northern Irishman making the switch, McIlroy joked: “I think he’s writing a book, so there is that. I spoke to Chubby, I might have seen him in the Middle East at the start of the year. Never know. He might know a few things. Who knows? “
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here.