‘A Subset Of People On The Board That Were Maybe Uncomfortable With Me Coming Back’ – McIlroy Rules Out PGA Tour Board Return
The four-time Major winner has admitted a "subset of people" were "uncomfortable" with the idea of him returning
Just two weeks after it had looked as though Rory McIlroy was set for a shock return to the PGA Tour Policy Board, he has confirmed that it won’t be happening any time soon.
Last month, The Guardian reported that Webb Simpson had tendered his resignation from the board and requested McIlroy take his place. Days later, McIlroy appeared open to the possibility, saying before the Zurich Classic of New Orleans: “I think I can be helpful.”
McIlroy is preparing for his first start since victory at TPC Louisiana at this week’s Wells Fargo Championship, where he addressed the latest on his potential return.
He said: “Yeah, there's been a lot of conversations. Sort of reminded me partly why I didn't. So yeah, I think it just, it got pretty complicated and pretty messy and I think with the way it happened, I think it opened up some old wounds and scar tissue from things that have happened before.”
McIlroy resigned from the Policy Board in November, but he has still been vocal on the current state of the game, particularly with regard to the PGA Tour’s protracted negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) behind LIV Golf. However, the 35-year-old suggested not everyone was willing to welcome him back.
He continued: “So yeah, I think there was a subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason.
“Yeah, I think the best course of action is if, you know, there's some people on there that aren't comfortable with me coming back on, then I think Webb just stays on and sees out his term, and I think he's gotten to a place where he's comfortable with doing that and I just sort of keep doing what I'm doing.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Here's Rory McIlroy talking about the PGA Tour policy board and the "subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason." pic.twitter.com/0skNOwtWxzMay 8, 2024
McIlroy then turned his attention to the need to bring a positive conclusion to the negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF. He said: “We've got this window of opportunity to get it done, because both sides from a business perspective I wouldn't say need to get it done, but it makes sense.
“It's probably not going to feel great for either side, but if it's a place where the game of golf starts to thrive again and we can all get back together, then I think that's ultimately a really good thing.”
However, McIlroy admitted potential sticking points remain. He said: “It could be if we go to more of a global schedule, do the American players that are used to playing all their golf in America want to travel outside of the States 12 times a year to play tournament golf, you know? That's a consideration.
“There's the fact that if we all sort of come back together, there's only - I think from the LIV contingent there's only seven players over there that have status, still have status or eligibility here. But would it be palatable to the rest of the membership if they come back with - after seeing out their contract and they've financially got ahead by potentially hundreds of millions of dollars over the people that stayed, that's - that's a consideration."
Despite those concerns, McIlroy said he remains confident a deal will happen. “I'm still optimistic,” he said. “I think Webb staying on is a really good thing. I think he's got a really balanced voice in all of this and I think he sees the bigger picture, which is great."
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Which LIV Golfers Played In The Tokyo 2020 Olympics
The men’s field of 60 featured 14 players who would later sign for LIV Golf – here are the details on who they are and how they performed
By Mike Hall Published
-
The 5 LIV Golfers In Contention For The $18m Individual Title
With tournaments running out, there are still a handful of players in contention for the $18m individual title - here are the details
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tour Pro Forced Into 16-Hour Drive To 3M Open After Flight Cancelled
Travel cancellations - as a result of the recent global technology outage - saw Wesley Bryan and Ryan Brehm's caddie, Lee Chaney end up making a long drive to Minnesota
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
3M Open Prize Money Payout 2024
Lee Hodges defends his title at TPC Twin Cities as players compete for a record purse in Minnesota
By Mike Hall Published
-
Golf World Pays Tribute To Mark Carnevale After Broadcaster Dies Aged 64
One-time PGA Tour winner and PGA Tour Radio broadcaster Mark Carnevale died "unexpectedly" on Monday
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
How Much Money Has Xander Schauffele's Caddie Austin Kaiser Earned In 2024?
Austin Kaiser has likely earned a significant amount of money this season as a result of Schauffele's double-Major-winning campaign
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'It's Something I've Always Wanted' - Xander Schauffele Reveals Grand Slam Ambition After Open Victory
Xander Schauffele says he's always had an eye on winning a career Grand Slam even before he became a quick-fire double Major champion
By Paul Higham Published
-
Watch The Stunning Moment Si Woo Kim Makes First Hole-In-One Of 2024 Open
The Korean star hit a stunning long iron on the long par 3 17th at Royal Troon that found the bottom of the cup
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Tiger Woods Flies To Michigan To Support Son Charlie At US Junior Amateur
The 15-time Major winner missed the cut at The Open in Scotland and quickly flew back to America to support his son
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reacts To First Open Missed Cut In Five Years
The four-time Major winner struggled yet again on Friday, as McIlroy stuttered to a four-over-par round of 75 to miss the cut comfortably at Royal Troon
By Matt Cradock Published