Rory McIlroy has been a part of many high-profile stories in the last few years, from his fights with LIV Golf, to his resignation from the PGA Tour Policy Board and, more recently, his divorce.
On Wednesday, McIlroy spoke from the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ontario, Canada. McIlroy admitted to the media that he may have gotten too deeply involved in the PGA Tour-LIV Golf spat.
“I think, in hindsight, I wish I hadn’t have gotten involved or not hadn’t gotten involved, hadn’t have gotten as deeply involved in it, and I’ve articulated that,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy initially came out as the person who most strongly and publicly criticized LIV and the golfers who left the PGA Tour to join the rival entity. Eventually, the PGA Tour agreed to a major with LIV in order to end their legal fights.
The June 2023 agreement took place without McIlroy’s knowledge, leaving him embarrassed and feeling abandoned by the side for which he had fought so strongly.
McIlroy stuck out his neck publicly on the PGA Tour’s behalf and against LIV, and created disharmony with many of his colleagues. He also spent a lot of time on the issue rather than working on his game or being with his family, which has all led to him having some regrets.
“But in hindsight I wish I hadn’t have gotten as deeply involved as I have,” McIlroy admitted.
McIlroy is still currently ranked No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking, so he’s doing fine. But he probably wonders what his game and results would look like had he more strictly focused on golf and not the politics of the competing leagues.
