Breaking
Tag

Rory McIlroy

Browsing
GOLF

Tiger Woods’ TGL golf league has some unique rules

By
Tiger Wood TGL

Golf will look a little different Tuesday night when TGL, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new simulator golf league, debuts on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.

The inaugural match won’t feature Woods’ Jupiter Links Golf Club or McIlroy’s Boston Common Golf. Woods is expected to be present at Tuesday’s debut before his team tees up next Tuesday (there’s a tactical reason for delaying Woods’ first appearance).

Instead, TGL will make its grand entrance with New York Golf Club (Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick) facing The Bay Area Golf Club (Ludvig Aberg, Shane Lowry, and Wyndham Clark).

READ: ‘Let Tiger Woods Play’: Veteran Golfer Makes Bold Appeal to Seniors Tour Amid 49-Year-Old’s Health Crisis

So, how does “Golf but on a screen in a dome” work?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the rules and format:

Each team will play five matches during the season. Before each match, the team will select three players to compete and one to sit out. Cameron Young (New York) and Min Woo Lee (Bay Area) will be sitting out Tuesday night.

The matches will be a 15-hole, 3-on-3 competition with two components.

The first nine holes will be a 3-on-3 alternate shot competition called “Triples.” The three players on each team will rotate who tees off on a hole and then rotate each shot from there. The final six holes will be a rotating head-to-head competition called “Singles.” “Singles” sees each player play two holes, with the competitors rotating after each completed hole.

For example: Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Aberg will face each other on holes 10 and 13, Wyndham Clark and Rickie Fowler will play 11 and 14, and Shane Lowry and Matt Fitzpatrick will duel on 12 and 15.

The scoring is straightforward. Each hole is worth one point, and the team with the fewest strokes on the hole wins. Ties are worth zero points, and the points do not carry over. Also, every match will go the full 15 holes even if the outcome is decided.

So, what if there’s a tie?

Glad you asked.

TGL has a unique overtime tiebreaker that will see all three golfers compete in a best-of-three, closest-to-the-pin competition. A team wins when it hits two shots closer than its competition.

There is also a shot clock in TGL. Each player will have 40 seconds to hit their shot, or else they will receive a one-stroke penalty. (Governing bodies take note.) Each team will have four timeouts per match, two timeouts per each of the two sessions. Unused timeouts do not carry over.

TGL also will introduce “The Hammer” on Tuesday night. The Hammer increases the value of the hole by one point. Only the team that holds The Hammer can play it (Bay Area won a coin toss to start with it Tuesday). A team can play The Hammer multiple times per hole to increase pressure on the opposing team. An opponent can decline to play The Hammer but will concede the hole. The Hammer will change possession each time its used.

Here’s how the season scoring works:

Regulation win: 2 points

Overtime win: 2 points

Overtime loss: 1 point

Regulation loss: 0 points

The top four teams from the regular season standings will advance to the semifinals. The winners of the semifinals will then play a best-of-three championship series.

After a year delay, the TGL finally tees off Tuesday night.

Will it become a focal point in golf’s future, or just another idea destined for the greenside trash can?

We’re about to find out.

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Bizarre TGL Rumor Shows Tiger Woods’s $500M League Is Rapidly Changing Pro Golf

By

2025 is going to be an exciting year for the golf world.

Apart from the regular leagues commencing yet another season, the sport will also witness the advancement of technology. After several delays and setbacks, the brainchild of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will finally launch, with January 7 being the first date of its inaugural tournament. The PGA Tour players have already begun promoting their teams ahead of the launch, and they are excited to play a completely new format.

But what makes the league so different? Well, the TGL matches will be played at the SoFi Center in Florida, and will completely be based on technology. From the putting to the witnessing. The SoFi Center is a cutting-edge, 250,000-square-foot venue located on the campus of Palm Beach State College in Florida. In TGL’s format, three players from each four-man team compete in 15-hole matches that seamlessly blend virtual and real-world golf. For longer shots, players will hit a massive 3,400-square-foot screen, approximately 24 times the size of a standard golf simulator.

SoFi Center

JUST IN: ‘We done yet?’: Tiger Woods left red-faced after being forced to watch PGA video

Each hole features a dynamic green, with its shape changing for every shot. A 41-yard-wide rotating turntable moves the green and three strategically placed bunkers, altering approach angles for each hole. Now, this surely is different from the matches played on the greens and will require different equipment. For example, having a longer shaft can increase swing speed, which in turn can generate more distance, and having drivers that can knuckle can help the ball roll out further once it hits the ground, increasing overall distance. With this, the players are changing their gears accordingly. Taking to this, Jonathan Wall reported, “With TGL on the horizon, I’m hearing a few pros have been testing different driver builds to maximize distance for screen golf. Most common are longer shafts and drivers designed to knuckle a bit more for extra rollout.”

While the new format is seemingly exciting for the players, and they are all set to experience the tech-based league, there have been several concerns among the golf community. With the league approaching, fans have raised questions about whether it will appeal to both regular viewers and golf aficionados and, at the same time, stay true to golf ethics. Well, looks like their questions too have been answered.

Taking to the concerns of the critics and the fans, the famous YouTube channel Fore Play Golf did an in-depth video on the league and called it ‘Playing at the TGL Stadium’. The main issue addressed was the fear of losing ties with the traditional norms of golf due to the simulator and the form of the venue. Sam Riggs Bozoian, one of the hosts of the podcast, shared compliments for the venue and its perfect integration of virtual fairways. “It feels like when I watch those crazy video game tournaments that have sold-out stadium and lights and it’s this mix of what you want in a real live event but with all kinds of technology,” he said. The three hosts also highlight the course, featuring real grass and sand, while discussing the unique indoor environment of TGL.

“How are you guys getting this grass?” Trent asks, startlingly. “We have our own little Turf Nursery in here in the corner,” the TGL administrators respond. “Tanner, our head greens keeper, is rocking. He’s got to keep track of the land in a divot as this is the only place in the game where you drop the ball so you got to do your knee-high drop and then we got real sand trying to take all the stuff.” To make things clearer, they also played in the ‘outrageously different’ arena. “I mean, we play a lot of golf; it’s our life, to be able to do something this different and this outrageous,” he said. The pros will have to adjust to a hybrid setup and that was a point of concern for them. They addressed that too, and said, “I have no idea what we’re doing at the moment, but it also makes you want to keep hitting these shots, which is awesome, dude. We’ve seen everything we love in our game.” And now if TGL will be a hit or not, only the conclusion of the first match will say that.

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Rory McIlroy’s fears justified after latest Tiger Woods injury return

By
Rory McIlroy Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods’ absence was keenly felt on the PGA Tour, but during his recent appearance, there was a significant surge in viewership.

Last weekend saw Woods teaming up with his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida.

This event marked Tiger’s first competitive play since his sixth lower-back surgery in September.

Rory McIlroy's fears justified after latest Tiger Woods injury return - Irish Star

READ: WATCH: Tiger Woods and ex-wife Elin Nordegrens passionate embrace at PNC Championship speaks volumes after cheating drama

Before this Father/Son Challenge, Woods hadn’t played in a tournament since The Open Championship in July. Injuries have plagued him, resulting in only 13 starts on the PGA Tour over the past four seasons.

As accusations of ‘cheating’ fly at Bernhard Langer and the PGA Tour anticipates another lift from Woods’ presence, fans revelled in the highlights provided by Team Woods – not least of which was Charlie’s first ace at the fourth hole par-3.

“That was the thrill of a lifetime to be able to have that moment with Charlie, make his first hole-in-one, [daughter] Sam on the bag, just our family and friends. That’s what this event is about. It’s about bonding and family,” Woods expressed.

He further acknowledged the competitive spirit of the event, stating, “I know we didn’t win, but it was the fact that we competed. No one really made a mistake out there. We had to earn it, and that’s what you want to have. Hats off to Langers. They played amazing.”

Tiger Woods’ impressive showing at the PNC Championship, alongside his son, drew a massive audience, with Sports Media Watch reporting that day one of the event pulled in an average of 2.92 million viewers across Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.

This figure represents a staggering 147% increase from the previous year and is the highest for the tournament’s opening day since its inception in 1995. The following day also saw a significant boost, with an average of 1.42 million viewers, marking a 32% rise from 2023.

The ‘Tiger effect’ is thought to be behind the PNC Championship’s robust viewership numbers, which stand in sharp contrast to the declining figures seen at other major golf tournaments this year. For instance, the 152nd Open Championship in July attracted its smallest audience since 2015, with just 3.39 million viewers.

Similarly, the Masters’ final round earlier in the year experienced a 20% drop in viewership compared to the previous year.

Rory McIlroy has commented on the downward trend, linking it to the ongoing dispute between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. “If you look at the TV ratings of the PGA Tour this year, they’re down 20 percent across the board. That’s a fifth. That’s big. I would say the numbers on LIV aren’t great either in terms of the people tuning in,” he remarked earlier this year.

“I just think with the fighting and everything that’s gone on over the past couple of years, people are just getting fatigued, and it’s turning people off men’s professional golf, and that’s not a good thing for anyone.”

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Rory McIlroy’s PGA Tour request for ‘The Match’ proves exactly why players left for LIV Golf

By
Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has revealed it was not ‘smooth sailing’ to get the PGA Tour to agree to ‘The Showdown’ which will see McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler take on LIV Golf rivals Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.

McIlroy, Scheffler, DeChambeau and Koepka will give fans a first taste of a PGA Tour vs LIV clash, with the two pairs facing off over 18 holes with three different formats in Las Vegas on December 17. Players from opposing sides of golf’s recent fallout have only been given the chance to compete alongside each other at the four majors, after the PGA Tour opted to ban players who competed on the LIV setup.

‘The Showdown’ however will give four of the best golfers on the planet the chance to do battle away from the major stage, with bragging right’s undoubtedly up for grabs

Rory McIlroy 'changes tune' over LIV Golf and players returning to PGA Tour | The Independent

JUST IN: Rory McIlroy admits doubt over PGA Tour and LIV Golf unity ahead of Las Vegas showdown.

It comes at a time where PGA Tour bosses are continuing to negotiate with LIV backers, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) over a peace deal. Whilst the Tour have entertained interest from PIF, their relationship with LIV still appears to be modest at best.

When it comes to the merger match in Vegas next week, LIV have seemingly been keen to push the event, their latest step to allow freedom to their playing membership. DeChambeau for example has been able to make a name for himself on YouTube since joining the LIV setup, with likes of Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm also popping up elsewhere too. The same however can not be said for the PGA Tour though, who according to McIlroy, took some convincing to give next week’s match the go ahead.

“It took a few conversations to get them to the point where they saw this could be a good thing in the long run. It took a few conversations,” McIlroy said of the Tour’s attitude towards the match. It wasn’t all smooth sailing but we got there in the end… They’ve been very supportive.”

McIlroy had previously been one of LIV’s biggest critics, having declared he ‘hated’ the Saudi-backed league even after the PGA Tour announced a framework agreement with PIF last June. Since the turn of this year though, the Northern Irishman has softened his stance, and continued his calls for unity through the power of ‘The Showdown’.

He commented “I don’t know if it was to spur things with everything that went on, it was really about us taking this into our own hands a little bit and do something outside of either tour to not only give back to the fans, but to show them or at least let them know we’re trying.”

“We’re trying to bring these players together, and the most opportunities we can get to do that, the better,” McIlroy said. “Does it remind people we’re not playing together all the time? Yes. But at least we’re making the effort to try to bring the best together more often. If we can start by doing something like this, that’s only a good thing.”

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Rory McIlroy admits doubt over PGA Tour and LIV Golf unity ahead of Las Vegas showdown

By
Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is excited about the chance to bridge the gap between PGA Tour and LIV Golf players in ‘The Showdown’ event next week in Las Vegas.

McIlroy will join forces with PGA’s Scottie Scheffler to take on LIV stars Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau at Shadow Creek Golf Club in a unique matchplay challenge, featuring three formats over 18 holes

“We’re trying to bring these players together, and the more opportunities we can get to do that, the better,” he remarked. He acknowledges the divide, “Does it remind people we’re not playing together all the time? Yes. But at least we’re making the effort to try to bring the best together more often.”

Las Vegas' Shadow Creek raises greens fee to $1,250

READ: Scottie Scheffler is Catching up to an Incredible Tiger Woods Record

McIlroy suggests starting with events like ‘The Showdown’ is beneficial. Currently, encounters between PGA and LIV players are restricted to majors due to the ban on LIV golfers in PGA events. While he is looking forward to the competition, McIlroy remains uncertain about the frequency of future PGA versus LIV matchups.

Rory McIlroy has voiced his uncertainties about the golfing world’s future, saying, “With the way the whole golf landscape works, I’m still unsure of when we’ll get together a little more often,” alluding to recent divisions in the sport. He went on to emphasize the intent behind potential matches, remarking, “The idea is to bring the best of both tours together in a match that people could get behind and get excited about it.”

This statement arrives amid persistent negotiations between PGA Tour officials and LIV Golf Investments, which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), concerning a possible detente.

While McIlroy doubts such an event—dubbed ‘The Showdown’—would dramatically alter talks, he suggests it signifies an athlete-led push for amalgamation. “I don’t know if it was to spur things,” McIlroy added, asserting a proactive stance from players.

“It was really about us saying we’re going take this into our own hands a little bit, and we’re going to do something outside either tour, not to give something back to the fans but to … let them know that we’re trying to provide entertainment, that the players want to play together more often.”

The celebrated golfer concluded with a call for unity, stressing, “We’d like to see everybody back together. There’s been so much talk about LIV versus the PGA Tour, all this talk about money.

“We want to get back to the competition. … It’s fun to get together to compete.”

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Rory McIlroy gave blunt response to £2.4m fine as PGA Tour star shows money is no issue

By
Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy says it was an ‘easy decision’ to accept a £2.4million fine for skipping a tournament last year.

The Northern Irishman was a late withdrawal from the RBC Heritage 18 months ago, landing him in hot water with officials.

McIlroy endured a tough week at the 2023 Masters just the week before. He returned home to focus on his mental wellbeing. However, PGA rules that year stated that players would need to return 25 per cent of their Player Impact Program bonus if they skipped more than one Signature Event’.

Rory McIlroy withdraws from RBC Heritage following disappointing Masters finish

JUST IN: Tiger Woods reveals when he might next play golf

That was the second time McIlroy had missed a tournament that fell under that category. But the 35-year-old was perfectly willing to forego £2.4m in a bid to recover mentally.

“I had my reasons to not play Hilton Head and I’ve expressed those to Jay,” McIlroy has since said, referring to a conversation with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

“It was an easy decision, but I felt like if that fine or whatever is to happen was worth that for me in order to get some things in place.”

McIlroy says he will streamline his calendar next year. He wants to focus only on the events he enjoys playing, having endured some gruelling and challenging schedules over the past few years. That approach may even help him end a decade-long wait for a major championship.

The RBC Heritage is no longer a mandatory event. The World No. 3 can therefore skip that tournament without facing sanctions.

“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 in November.

“Like, I played the Cognizant [Classic] in Palm Beach Gardens, [the Texas Open in] San Antonio and the [RBC Heritage in] Hilton Head.

“And I’ll probably not play the first play-off event in Memphis. I mean, I finished basically dead last there this year, and only moved down one spot in the play-off standings.

“Well, at this point in my career… Hey, I’m 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years, so 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. And I’m not getting any younger.”

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Is Rumored Tiger Woods Feud the Reason Behind Rory McIlroy Skipping Hero World Challenge 2024?

By
Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy

The 2024 Hero World Challenge is just around the corner, and Albany, Bahamas, will host 20 of the top 50 players in the world, all fighting for the title.

Among these players is Scottie Scheffler, who returns to defend his title after a strong 2023 season. But if you were looking for Rory McIlroy in the mix, you’d be disappointed as he’s not competing this year.

One of the other notable absences is Tiger Woods. But Woods has good reasons. Injuries. Surgery. Recovery. And he’s also ther host! What about Rors then? Earlier this year, rumors swirled about a potential rift between the pair, around their differing views on the PGA Tour’s response to LIV Golf. Some media outlets even pounced on this difference of opinion, labeling it a “feud.” So is that the reason the Northern Irishman has opted out of the Woods-hosted event?

No.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy lead Monday night TGL committed players

JUST IN: Video: The time Tiger Woods almost broke David Feherty’s elbow

Let’s look back. Since these feud rumors, McIlroy already refuted the claims. “Friends can have disagreements or not see eye to eye on things.” He went on to clarify, “No, there’s no strain there,” he said, downplaying the rumors. “I think we might see the future of golf a little bit differently, but I don’t think that should place any strain on a relationship or on a friendship.” So, while their views on the future of golf might not always align, McIlroy has made it clear there’s no bad blood between them.

Instead, likely, his hectic schedule and the fact that he’s taking a bit of time off to rest and regroup is the real reason for missing the event. Remember McIlroy stated that he wanted some family time and hence would be reducing his schedule? Looks like that may have begun already. And considering that he’s got the ‘Showdown’ against LIV Golf coming up in mid-December, he may not have wanted too much golf during the month.​

McIlroy and Woods haven’t played together since the 2023 Genesis Invitational in California. Again that’s because Woods has been away and now perhaps they’ll be seen together on the course even lesser with McIlroy’s smaller playing schedule. However, their bond is far from hampered. Hear it from the 4-time major winner himself! Woods remains a mentor and role model to him.

While Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods might not always see eye to eye on the future of golf, one thing is for sure: McIlroy holds Woods in the highest regard. In fact, in Netflix’s Full Swing documentary, he opened up about the impact Woods had on him when he was growing up. “I was obsessed with golf and when Tiger came on the scene, I just remember watching Tiger play golf on Sunday nights, because of the time difference,” McIlroy said.

The Northern Irishman even claimed that the 15-time major winner had taken golf to “a new level”. “He still is my hero and to a lot of people, he is golf,” he boldly stated. The golf pro’s admiration for Woods moreover runs deep. He truly believes that no one in the sport can ever match up to his friend. “There’ll never be another Tiger for so many reasons,” McIlroy said, reflecting on Woods’ legacy. “He’s set a great example for a lot of us moving forward.”

So there you have it. Despite their differences, their bond remains as strong. And while they may not always agree on ideas about the PGA Tour, the two also bond beyond that, particularly in their business ventures. Yes, they’re more than just competitors—they’re collaborators. Or have you forgotten their partnered venture, the TGL? Does the progress with their simulator league seem like it’s being run by 2 people in a feud?

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Phil Mickelson’s comment says it all as Rory McIlroy issue emerges after LIV hope

By
Rory McIlroy Phil Mickelson

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.

Rory McIlroy blasts 'selfish, egotistical, ignorant' Phil Mickelson over Saudi Golf League comments | Metro News

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?”

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy get wish as personal roadblock to LIV Golf merger removed

By
Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy

Greg Norman will stay at LIV Golf – but is set to be replaced as CEO of the Saudi Arabia-funded series.

LIV Golf’s arrival as a rival to the PGA Tour sent shockwaves throughout the world of sports. LIV Golf immediately made its presence felt, signing some of the game’s biggest names in an attempt to fracture the PGA Tour’s grip on professional golf.

Norman has signed the likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm to LIV Golf. But in June 2023, reports emerged suggesting LIV Golf had agreed to merge with the PGA Tour to end golf’s divide.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are two of the leading voices on the PGA Tour

READ: ‘Uncle’ Tiger Woods’ Hearty Gesture Might Have Pushed Serena Williams’s Daughter Away From Tennis, Reveals Alexis Ohanian

The merger ensured the pending legal dispute between the tours was to be placed on the back burner to attempt to co-exist as a single entity, with a signed agreement seemingly set to combine the PGA Tour and LIV’s commercial operations and rights into a new company, along with the DP World Tour.

Tense negotiations have been ongoing for some time now, with both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy insisting Noman needed to step down to end “animosity” between the two tours. McIlroy in particular declared he believed Norman “had to go” in order to push through a merger.

He said in November 2022: “There’s a few things that I would like to see on the LIV side that needs to happen. I think Greg needs to go. I think he just needs to exit stage left. He’s made his mark, but I think now is the right time to sort of say, ‘Look, you’ve got this thing off the ground, but no one is going to talk unless there’s an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences.”

Woods echoed Mcilroy’s statements, with the 15-time major champion suggested the Australian was looking to “destroy” the PGA Tour. “Greg has to go,” Woods said back in 2022. Asked whether LIV and golf’s traditional tours can co-exist, Woods said: “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening.

As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you? They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organizations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it.

“I think it has to start with leadership on their side. Understanding that what is happening right now is not the best fit or future for the whole game of golf. Now, what is the best way for our game to grow? It’s not this way. You need to have the two bodies come together. If one side has so much animosity, someone trying to destroy our tour, then how do you work with that?”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls LIV Golf, has been looking for a new CEO for the circuit to take over from Norman. Once the new hire is installed, Norman is expected to maintain a leadership role within LIV Golf.

At the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan played alongside Yasir Al-Rumayyan and McIlroy throughout the week. DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings was also playing, leading fans to believe that a breakthrough in negotiations is imminent.

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Scottie Scheffler’s comments about Rory McIlroy say it all after worrying admission

By
Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy

Golf sensation Scottie Scheffler has reached out with words of encouragement to Rory McIlroy following another disappointing finish for the Northern Irish golfer.

McIlroy’s quest for victory was thwarted yet again at the BMW PGA Championship where he was pipped to the post in a play-off.

Despite a valiant effort at Wentworth, McIlroy was bested by Billy Horschel’s stunning eagle putt last Sunday. The four-time major champion has been plagued by a series of narrow defeats, including a gut-wrenching setback at the US Open in June and another dropped lead at the Irish Open earlier this month.

Scottie Scheffler paired with Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele - ESPN

READ: ‘Charlie’s Not Tiger Woods’s Son..’: Victim of Harassment, 15YO Prodigy’s True Nature Was Once Revealed

The 35-year-old has openly acknowledged the challenge that these setbacks have posed after repeatedly falling at the final hurdle. Nonetheless, world number one Scheffler insists that McIlroy wasn’t defeated at Wentworth; it was simply Horschel’s moment of brilliance that proved the difference.

Speaking at a Presidents Cup press conference, Scheffler reflected on his own experiences: “I think I played a lot of solid tournaments, and it was nice to get some wins. I’ve had years in the past on tour where I’ve played pretty nice and I haven’t been able to win a bunch. Sometimes in this game the breaks go your way and sometimes they don’t.

“You know like Rory’s had some close calls. He has a playoff last week, and a guy eagles the final hole to beat him, and that’s kind of a tough deal.”

“He didn’t lose, he got beat. So that can happen,” Scheffler added. “Sometimes the breaks fall your way, like Tom Kim and I in the playoff at Travelers. He did birdie 18 to get in the playoff, but then he made a bogey on the playoff hole. Just little things like that sometimes can help.”

Scheffler’s remarks follow McIlroy’s reflections on his recent performances, where he expressed frustration despite his good form. “Look, it’s golf and I’m playing well. These things happen,” McIlroy admitted. “Two weeks in a row I’ve played well. Just not quite well enough. The game is testing me a little more than it has done in the past, but that’s fine.”

McIlroy is taking a breather following his Wentworth setback but looks forward to lifting his spirits by joining forces with his father Gerry at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship pro-am event in October. On the other hand, fresh from seven PGA Tour wins and an Olympic gold medal, Scheffler is eyeing victory at the Presidents Cup and suggested how better times could soon be ahead for McIlroy.

“Sometimes it’s an important putt or a little break here or there, and a lot of times this year I felt like I made the putts when I really needed to,” Scheffler recalled. “I made that 5-footer on 18 in Paris, made a bunch of putts on that back nine.”

“I made a putt to win the Memorial on the last hole. And back nine at the Masters, final round at The Players, I made a lot of putts that were not necessarily on 18 green, but a lot of putts that were important to keep momentum in the round going.”

“In years past, maybe sometimes those putts went in sometimes, but this year I felt like for the most part I made a lot of those putts when I needed to.”

Keep Reading
By
Verified by MonsterInsights