Rory McIlroy has echoed comments made in the past by Phil Mickelson about the hectic schedule on the PGA Tour. The world of professional golf was rocked in 2022 when the Saudi Arabian PIF-backed LIV Golf emerged as a rival to the established PGA Tour, luring away some of the sport's biggest stars.
McIlroy, one of golf's elite, initially stood strong and criticised those deserting the tour. However, as time has passed, a potential resolution and merger between the two entities appears increasingly likely.
Consequently, the Northern Irishman's position has softened, and he has even begun to pick holes in the format of his own tour. McIlroy referred to the PGA Tour's schedule as a 'hard slog', while contemplating pulling out of the RBC Heritage. Breakaway golfer and six-time major winner Mickelson previously offered insight into his decision to switch sides - potentially providing food for thought for McIlroy.
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After being slapped with a £2.3million fine in 2023 for skipping the Heritage, McIlroy took a swipe at the PGA earlier this month, criticising their congested and exhausting schedule.
"There's a few tournaments that I played this year that I don't usually play and that I might not play next year," McIlroy revealed to the Daily Telegraph. "Well, at this point in my career, I'm 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years. I'm just going to go to the places that I enjoy and where I play well. Look I've done the hard slog, I've done that sort of 25 to 30 events a year. I'm not getting any younger."
His rival Mickleson used this exact fact to advocate for LIV, explaining his decision to switch sides on social media - describing how the competing outfit has left him feeling more prepared for major tournaments, reports the Mirror.
"Love LIV or hate it, it's the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors. Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations. 14 LIV events, 34 weeks left open to prepare for the 4 majors. Fact," Mickelson posted on X in 2023.
The similarities between what McIlroy desires and what LIV offers could potentially create the ideal balance if the proposed merger - negotiations for which began in 2023 - were to materialise. McIlroy also expressed his hopes for said merger this month.
US presidential election victor Donald Trump joined the Let's Go podcast, claiming it would take him "the better part of 15 minutes" to resolve this "golf civil war." McIlroy responded optimistically.
"Given what's happened, I think that [Trump winning] clears the way a little bit," McIlroy added, speaking following Trump's triumph. "He might be able to. He's got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him.
"We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too. I think from the outside looking in, it's probably a little less complicated than it actually is. Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He's got a great relationship with golf. He's a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?"
