He was initially against the merger and LIV Golf. But down the lane, he did a complete U-turn to become a very vocal supporter of the PGA Tour-PIF deal (recall his stance before and after Jon Rahm’s defection?). And so he remains the same to this day… Something many might dub as nothing short of ‘risky’. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case for the man Rory McIlroy himself. Any guesses why?
The athlete was spotted in an interview with Normal Sport when asked about why it’s harder to take risks in golf. His response? “Because if I lose money,” said McIlroy, “It’s not going to hurt me as emotionally as if I lose a golf tournament.” It seems he is quite a golfing enthusiast. Figures… Since the golfer boasts many records in the game. All of which wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for his love for the sport.
The 35-year-old was then asked about his opinions and whether he considered being vocal about it, a risk. “I wouldn’t perceive that as risks,” replied the athlete. “Because I’m speaking about what I believe in… I don’t think that that’s necessarily risky. It’s authentic.” And he hasn’t been any different these days. Interestingly, Rory McIlroy had even recently divulged how “great” it was that Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Jay Monahan were teeing it off alongside each other at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
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But if you think he will be vocal in every aspect of the game, you’re sorely wrong. “There’s certain issues or topics, especially around this time of the year that I certainly wouldn’t weigh in on,” continued the 4-time major champ. “But yeah, when it comes to trying to preserve the history of the game that I love or trying to keep it on the right course…, then I don’t necessarily perceive that as a risk.” Well, you better believe him, for he had even brutally pointed out how much of a “shame” it was to not be able to play with the sport’s best.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 16, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Rory McIlroy hits from the sixth tee box during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
That’s not all. He had even come out candid on how much the recent divide had led to the dip in TV ratings (Remember the 20% he once mentioned in an interview?). Dubbing him ‘brutally honest’ would be an understatement now, wouldn’t it? Anyhow, that hasn’t stopped him from pointing out the good things when it happens in the sport either!
Rory McIlroy remains hopeful about the recent PGA Tour-PIF union
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The 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship saw Monahan getting paired up with Billy Horschel while Yasir Al-Rumayyan did so with Dean Burmester. Suffice it to say, Rory McIlroy was one of the happier ones as a result of the same. “I think it’s a great thing and good sign that Jay and Yasir are going to play together,” said the pro before highlighting how a lot of LIV golfers are also teeing off at the event.
Remember who Johann Rupert is? Yes, he is the one who was behind the recent event, to whom the credit goes for being able to unify the golf world, albeit temporarily. McIlroy was also appreciative of the man before going ahead to divulge the possible effect of this temporary unification; “I think we’ll know a lot more by year’s end. We’re in October so hopefully [there’s] three months to get something done.” So… a possible deal by 2024 December? Many fans would certainly hope so as well. Fingers crossed!
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