Tiger Woods breaks silence on Rory McIlroy ‘fallout’ after PGA Tour board snub
Tiger Woods has refuted rumors of a rift with Rory McIlroy, following McIlroy’s unsuccessful bid to return to the PGA Tour Policy Board. The speculation surrounding golf’s upper echelons intensified after McIlroy’s application to the board was turned down. The former Open Championship winner had sought to regain his position on the board, which he…
Tiger Woods has refuted rumors of a rift with Rory McIlroy, following McIlroy’s unsuccessful bid to return to the PGA Tour Policy Board. The speculation surrounding golf’s upper echelons intensified after McIlroy’s application to the board was turned down.
The former Open Championship winner had sought to regain his position on the board, which he held until November the previous year. Despite previously voicing criticisms of LIV Golf, McIlroy appeared open to softening his stance in a bid to resolve disputes within the sport.
With nearly a year having passed since the initial proposal for a merger between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the DP World Tour, McIlroy seemed eager to facilitate an agreement. However, reports from Golf Digest suggested tensions between McIlroy and Woods had escalated following McIlroy’s board rejection.
Woods has since spoken out amidst the ongoing saga, asserting that there’s no animosity between himself and McIlroy. “While our perspectives may differ, our collective goal remains the betterment of players, fans, and the sport of golf as a whole,” Woods emphasized.
His comments come amid McIlroy’s acknowledgment of the complexity surrounding his board reapplication, describing the situation as “complicated” and “messy.” McIlroy also addressed his relationship with Woods, acknowledging that friends can have disagreements but stating that their recent discussion was fruitful and devoid of any significant strain.
McIlroy has signaled his continued involvement in negotiations between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, despite not holding a board position. Speaking at the Wells Fargo Championship, he expressed his advisory role within the transaction committee, underscoring his commitment to contributing to the process.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan echoed McIlroy’s importance in the negotiations, emphasizing that McIlroy’s influence remains significant despite not currently holding a board position. He clarified that McIlroy’s exclusion from the board was a procedural matter rather than a reflection of his impact on the sport.