While speaking to the media at the JP McManus Pro-Am in Ireland, Rory Mcilroy was asked—as he has been frequently over the past couple of months—about the LIV Tour golfers, many of who he saw in Ireland and will again next week at St. Andrew’s for the Open Championship.
He believes that much of the resentment among PGA Tour and DP World Tour pros is coming from the fact that the golfers who bolted want to keep reaping the benefits of the PGA Tour after criticizing it.
Rory McIlroy has some strong opinions on the players who have joined the LIV Golf series
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McIlroy explained:
“I think at this stage if you go and play on a different tour, then go and play on a different tour. I think having your cake and eating is the resentment that’s within the membership.”
“Just go over there, don’t try and come back and play over here again. That’s the tricky part and that’s where the resentment is coming from. For me, I don’t resent anyone. These guys are my friends, regardless of the decisions they make.”
During the interview, however, McIlroy did offer a conciliatory tone as well.
The four-time major winner said:
“I wish it hadn’t have got that messy and in hindsight, I think there were probably steps that were missed that wouldn’t have made it that messy… I think in the long term it will sort itself out, as everything else does, it will, and I think ultimately it will make the game, and the game of professional golf, a better place.”
McIlroy finished sixth in the charity event that was won by Xander Schauffele. Tiger Woods, who is playing in next week’s 150th Open, was tied for 39th.
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