Rory McIlroy has been left unimpressed by the PGA Tour’s packed schedule, and a comment made in the past by LIV rival Phil Mickelson rings relevant
Phil Mickelson’s revelation that LIV Golf rejuvenated him for major tournaments could serve as a wake-up call for Rory McIlroy following his ‘hard slog’ remark.
The world of professional golf was rocked in 2022 when the Saudi Arabian PIF-backed LIV Golf emerged as a rival to the established PGA Tour, luring away some of the sport’s biggest names, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, along with numerous other major champions.
JUST IN: Charlie Woods: How did Tiger Woods’ son perform during the first day of state championship?
Northern Ireland’s McIlroy was among the stalwarts who stood their ground and criticized those deserting the tour. However, as time has passed, a resolution and merger between the two entities appear increasingly likely. Consequently, McIlroy’s position has softened, and he has even begun criticizing his own circuit.
Referring to the PGA Tour’s schedule as a ‘hard slog’, while contemplating withdrawing from the RBC Heritage, breakaway golfer and six-time major winner Mickelson explained his decision to switch sides – giving McIlroy food for thought, reports the Mirror.
After being fined £2.3million in 2023 for missing the Heritage, McIlroy took a swipe at the PGA this month, criticizing their congested and exhausting schedule.
“There’s a few tournaments that I played this year that I don’t usually play and that I might not play next year,” McIlroy told the Daily Telegraph. “Well, at this point in my career, I’m 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years. I’m just going to go to the places that I enjoy and where I play well. Look I’ve done the hard slog, I’ve done that sort of 25 to 30 events a year. I’m not getting any younger.”
San Diego-born Mickelson used this exact fact to rally troops for LIV, explaining his choice to switch. He took to social media to describe how the rival outfit has left him feeling fresher for major titles.
“Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors. Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations. 14 LIV events, 34 weeks left open to prepare for the 4 majors. Fact,” Mickelson wrote on X in 2023.
The similarities between what McIlroy wishes for and what LIV provides could balance out to form the perfect medium if the proposed merger – that saw negotiations begin in 2023 – were to come to fruition. McIlroy also spoke out about his hopes for the merger this month.
Donald Trump, winner of the 2024 US presidential election, appeared on legendary former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s Let’s Go podcast while on his campaign trail, stating that it would take him “the better part of 15 minutes” to sort out this “golf civil war.” McIlroy responded hopefully.
“Given what’s happened, I think that [Trump winning] clears the way a little bit,” McIlroy told reporters after Trump’s victory. “He might be able to. He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him.
“We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too. I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is. Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?”
