Rory McIlroy regrets speaking out against LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy has been a vocal critic of former PGA golfers who left for LIV Golf, but he now expresses regret over his intense involvement in the conflict between the two tours.

“In hindsight, I wish I hadn’t gotten as deeply involved in it,” McIlroy said Wednesday at Hamilton Golf & Country Club. “I hold no grudge, I hold no resentment over the guys that chose to go and play on LIV. Everyone’s got their own decisions to make, and everyone has the right to make those decisions.”

The division between PGA Tour and LIV Golf golfers has been significant since the defections began, straining McIlroy’s relationships with several former tour players. McIlroy shared his disappointment, saying, “My whole thing is, I’m just disappointed to what it’s done to, not to the game of golf – the game of golf will be fine – but men’s professional golf and this sort of divide we have at the minute. Hopefully, we’re on a path to sorting that out and getting that to come back together, but in hindsight, I wish I hadn’t gotten as deeply involved as I have.”

The situation has impacted McIlroy profoundly, leading him to step away from the PGA board months ago. When he sought to return earlier this year, he faced opposition due to his changed stance on the conflict between the tours.

Rumors suggest that McIlroy’s relationship with Tiger Woods has also become strained. Woods, who is also a PGA Board member, reportedly blocked McIlroy’s return despite his loyalty to the PGA. Both players, heavily compensated by the PGA for their support, did not acknowledge each other during the PGA Championship at Valhalla two weeks ago.

McIlroy’s outspoken stance has seemingly alienated him from the PGA and strained his personal relationships, raising speculation about whether he might join LIV Golf. It’s evident that the PGA Tour is currently displeased with McIlroy, and it may take significant efforts for him to reconcile with the tour, though he seems uninterested in doing so at the moment.

Reflecting on the toll the conflict has taken on him, McIlroy acknowledges that while he has benefited from his loyalty, it came at the cost of personal relationships. He doesn’t support LIV Golf, but he understands why some players left the PGA Tour. Ultimately, he hopes for an end to the feud that has affected the world of golf.