“I think there are ways to fix that and get it back in place. But with everything that’s going on right now, I don’t think that’s going to happen in the future.”
“Being in the middle of things has been tough at times and it’s probably taken time for the two things that are most important to me, which is family and golf,” McIlroy admitted of his role as gatekeeper. unofficial word of PGA Tour players.
“But there are certain times when things just have to be done and you have to step up to stand up for what you believe in. And I feel like that’s what I’ve done this year and I I will continue to do so, but at the same time always try to be the best player in the world.
“So I’m wearing a lot of different hats right now, but I feel like I’m able to handle everything pretty well right now.”
Many high profile players left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf – including big winners Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka – lured by a total prize pool of $250 million and an attempt to reform the PGA Tour.
They have been criticized by other players for abandoning golf traditions and accepting money from a country that has been widely condemned by human rights groups.
“Difficult to digest for me”
In response to the existential threat from LIV Golf, the PGA Tour suspended anyone who joined the breakaway series.
On the DP World Tour – formerly the European Tour – however, the initial fine and suspension for three events imposed on LIV Golf players has been temporarily blocked by a UK referee, and so at next month’s BMW PGA Championship McIlroy will face against players who are now part of LIV Golf.
“It’s hard for me to put up with the fact that I’m going to play one event and 18 of these guys are going to be playing in the same field,” McIlroy said.
“I don’t like it, it’s not something I really want to be a part of, but for me, just as committed as I am to the PGA Tour, I also want to be committed to the DP World Tour. “
The eligibility of European LIV Golf players to participate in the Ryder Cup is still the subject of legal disputes while American LIV Golf players are unlikely to participate as they cannot accumulate the required PGA Tour qualifying points. from which they are suspended.
Since LIV Golf players can currently participate in the DP World Tour, they can accumulate the qualifying points needed to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup, a factor also encouraging McIlroy to participate in these upcoming European events.
When asked if LIV golfers should be allowed to compete in the Ryder Cup, McIlroy told CNN: “No, if I had what it takes, no.
“I want to support [Luke Donald] as captain. And so, I try to do things for the right reasons and these 18 guys over there have done things that I don’t agree with. And it’s a shame it’s come to this.”
