Golf
Rory McIlroy has regrets.
The Northern Irishman was the most outspoken as his high-profile colleagues defected from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf over the past 18 months.
Now, with the PGA Tour in talks with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) — the same entity that financially backs LIV Golf — and Jon Rahm moving to LIV, McIlroy has significantly softened his stance on the rebel league.
“I think, at this point, I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the start, and I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realize that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Woods’ position,” McIlroy said on the “Stick to Football” podcast.
“We all turn professional to make a living playing the sports that we do, and I think that’s what I realized over the last two years. I can’t judge people for making that decision.”
McIlroy accused those who left — including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith — of “betrayal” and “tearing the game apart.”
However, McIlroy became less vocal on the subject after the framework for the PGA-PIF agreement was announced in June and then stepped away from the PGA Tour’s Policy Board in November.
When Rahm bolted last month for a deal that reportedly will pay him north of $300 million, McIlroy called on the DP World Tour to “rewrite the rules for the Ryder Cup eligibility” to allow the Spaniard to play at Bethpage in 2025.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve lost the fight against LIV, but I’ve just accepted the fact that this is part of our sport now,” McIlroy said, per ESPN.com.
“Competition is good to help improve the sport of golf overall, but the PGA Tour competing with LIV and the Saudis’ money is completely unsustainable. You’re never going to win a fight if you’re going money for money, because we’ve seen that in other sports where no one is spending money like the Saudis.”
McIlroy, 34, said he has not received an offer from LIV Golf himself.
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Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.
