Blake Davis
CHARLOTTE, NC – Rory McIlroy appeared to make it clear Wednesday that he will not return to the PGA Tour policy board anytime soon. Speaking ahead of the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, the 35-year-old described the resistance he has faced since Webb Simpson asked him to take his place on the board, in what would have been a return to the position McIlroy held before his resignation last November. . .
It was later confirmed that McIlroy withdrew his name from the board’s consideration, according to Golf Channel.
“There were a lot of conversations,” McIlroy said. “It reminded me, in part, of why I didn’t [want to be on the board]. … It got very complicated and very confusing, and I think the way it happened, I think it opened up some old wounds and scars from things that happened before.
“There was a subset of people on the board who maybe felt uncomfortable with me coming back for some reason. I think the best course of action is if, you know, there are some people there who don’t feel comfortable with me coming back. onwards, so I think Webb just stays and does his mandate, and I think he’s gotten to a point where he’s comfortable doing that and I kind of continue doing what I’m doing.
“So yeah, I put my hand up to help, and it was – I wouldn’t say it was rejected, it was a complicated process to get me back out there. and we will all move on.”
Simpson requested that McIlroy take his place on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises boards, The Guardian reported in April. Simpson’s three-year term is scheduled to last until 2025, and after conversations and pushback, Simpson and McIlroy confirmed Wednesday at the Quail Hollow Club that Simpson will serve the remainder of this term.
There are suggestions that Patrick Cantlay, notably in this report from Golf week, is among the “subset” of the board that rejected McIlroy’s return. McIlroy and Cantlay recently got into a fight on the golf course when Cantlay’s caddy, Joe LaCava, and McIlroy shouted at each other during the 2023 Ryder Cup. The Northern Irishman spoke about his outburst in Rome and detailed his less-than-friendly relationship with Cantlay.
Since softening his stance on LIV Golf, McIlroy has been adamant about the need for a deal between the PGA Tour and the LIV Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, LIV’s backers. Presenting the idea of a world tour and a Champions League-type circuit made up of the world’s best players, McIlroy’s ideas were met with blank stares.
Rory believes a point of contention may be that American golfers are not willing to play 12 international tournaments a year. McIlroy also believes some may have a sour taste in their mouths if LIV Golf players return after receiving generous contracts to jump to the 54-hole league.
McIlroy remains positive despite being excluded from the board and despite a lack of progress since the June 6, 2023, announcement of the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf that has yet to bear fruit despite an initial deadline of the eve of New Year.
“I’m still optimistic,” McIlroy said. “I think Webb staying is a very good thing. I think he has a very balanced voice in all of this and I think he sees the bigger picture, which is great. For me, what was happening instead, what could happen? Yes, I’m very happy that Webb made the decision to stay on and serve out the rest of his term.
