Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour’s policy board, with the circuit still locked in negotiations over a potential partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
McIlroy earned a reputation as a staunch defender of the PGA Tour after the foundation of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, which enticed household names including Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka to its rival events with huge financial rewards.
After months of tensions and legal battles, the tours surprisingly announced an intention to merge in June, with the new unified entity to be backed by the financial muscle of the PIF.
McIlroy said he was made to feel like a “sacrificial lamb” after being kept in the dark over the potential deal, adding he still “hated” LIV Golf.
In a memo issued to players on Tuesday, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said the circuit was continuing to work towards a definitive agreement on the merger, saying “deliberate” progress had been made.
McIlroy, who joined the board as a player director in 2022, gave no indication that he was about to resign while speaking to reporters ahead of the DP World Tour Championship on Tuesday, announcing his exit in a letter to the board later that day.
Rory McIlroy shares his thoughts on Tuesday’s announcement.
Watch the full presser: https://t.co/LoHqYAuBmi pic.twitter.com/qNI6StFdrz
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 7, 2023
In a statement, Monahan and board chairman Ed Herlihy thanked the four-time major champion for his efforts, saying: “Rory’s insight has been instrumental in helping shape the success of the tour, and his willingness to thoughtfully voice his opinions has been especially impactful.
“Given the extraordinary time and effort that Rory – and all of his fellow player directors – have invested in the tour during this unprecedented, transformational period in our history, we certainly understand and respect his decision to step down in order to focus on his game and his family.”
McIlroy had been reluctant to comment on the merger negotiations in the aftermath of June’s announcement, saying he had been forced to come to terms with Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning presence in multiple sports.
The deadline for the tour to finalise a deal with the PIF is December 31, though that date could be pushed back amid reports it is unlikely to be met.
