The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
McIlroy’ s ‘messy’ rejection by PGA
Rory McIlroy admitted things “got pretty messy” when he revealed he had been all but rejected from the PGA Tour’s policy board.
“With the way it happened it opened up some wounds and scar tissue from things that have happened before,” the Northern Irishman said after his attempts to rejoin the board he stepped down from back in November proved futile.
McIlroy had claimed he was “happy to do my bit” when it appeared a formality that the PGA Tour’s former de facto spokesperson would be making a return to help expedite peace talks with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) bankrolling LIV Golf.
Webb Simpson was even prepared to relinquish his seat at the negotiation table as long as McIlroy could replace him in such seismic discussions.
It turns out, however, that not everyone was as keen as Simpson to welcome McIlroy back to the boardroom.
“There was a subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason,” the fourtime major champion said.
And it appears Tiger Woods, one of the five player directors other than Simpson who had the power to decide on the reinstatement of McIlroy, provided some resistance.
The Telegraph has reported that Woods voted against McIlroy rejoining the PGA Tour board, which has wider ramifications not only for their relationship, but also for the future outlook of the men’s professional game.
Woods and McIlroy have long been close friends and have built TGL together, an indoor golf league that launches early next year.
But it is becoming increasingly apparent the duo do not see eye-to-eye on golf ’s future.
McIlroy has reiterated that the LIV schism is harming the game and thinks the current divide is “unsustainable.” That is why he was prepared to return to the board to thrash out a deal with the breakaway league’s Saudi funders.
Woods, meanwhile, says he held “positive” talks with PIF chairman Yasir AlRumayyan in the Bahamas in the secret March meeting that looked to get the ball rolling again ahead of a definitive agreement.
But the 15-time major champion has also claimed in recent months the PGA Tour no longer needs Saudi investment because of the injection of cash from the Strategic Sports Group, a US conglomerate led by the Liverpool FC owners Fenway Sports Group.
“Ultimately we would like to have PIF be a part of our tour and a part of our product,” Woods said in February.
“Financially, we don’t (need that) right now. Anything beyond this is going to be obviously over and above. We’re in a great position right now.”
And according to Golf Digest, such conflicting views on the sport’s landscape has led to the relationship between McIlroy and Woods turning “sour in the last six months”.
So much so, it would appear Woods did not fancy reuniting with McIlroy in the PGA Tour’s boardroom.
Jay Monahan insists McIlroy’s rejection from the board is no reflection of his “important influence” in golf.
The PGA Tour commissioner stressed that the shock development is a procedural issue, whilst also confirming the Tour has made progress in talks with Saudi’s Public Investment Fund.
“Today’s news is in no way a commentary on Rory’s important influence,” Monahan said.
“It’s simply a matter of adherence to our governance process by which a Tour player becomes a board member.
“Webb remaining in his position as a member of the policy board and PGA Tour enterprises board through the end of his term provides the continuity needed at this vital time.”