Rory McIlroy recently appeared on the The Overlap’s “Stick to Football” show. He discussed his role in the Saudi Arabian negotiations, LIV golf, and much more.
His comments spread quickly in the golfing community. Numerous people from the ecosystem commented on his new attitude and relaxed stance against the Public Investment Fund’s involvement in professional sport golf.
Phil Mickelson has taken notice. The six-time major champion took to X (formerly Twitter) early Thursday to express his views on McIlroy’s remarks.
This quote, and many others that Rory made today, probably weren’t easy for him to say. We shouldn’t use this opportunity to pile on. It’s better to put aside our differences and focus on a more positive future. Rahms signing has become a way to bring the two sides together. This is evident by the comments made today and last month about changing the Ryder Cup rules so Jon and other players can play. Let’s make the most of it. It will continue to be business as usual until an agreement is reached.
Rory’s many quotes today, including this one, probably were not easy to say. We shouldn’t use this opportunity to pile on. Instead, it’s time to put aside our differences and work toward a better future. Rahms’ signing is turning into a bridge to bring… https://t.co/KG2wifcWvT
— Phil Mickelson January 4, 2020
The post was in response to McIlroy asking how the PGA Tour has done so well over so many years.
McIlroy explained that if we were to ask people to spend so much money on the project, we needed to ensure that they knew what they would be getting. We’ve spent the past two years trying to find a way to bring it back together and to learn from the mistakes that had been made and the issues that LIV brought to light.
McIlroy said on the show that things had cooled off between players, but he admitted he was still upset by those who spoke badly about the PGA Tour or DP World Tour when they left to play in LIV. McIlroy also acknowledged that he was wrong in the past two years, and that his “altruistic” approach to professional golf and the struggles it faces has led him to be mistaken. He said that if there is anything he regrets, it’s being judgmental about players who left the PGA Tour and DP World Tour for LIV.
No shortage of shots have been fired between players like Mickelson, and vice versa.
Since the announcement of a Framework Agreement in June last year, tensions between players have somewhat cooled. The future of professional Golf is still uncertain. However, more players seem to be warming up to the concept of working together.
The PGA Tour season begins Thursday in Hawaii at The Sentry, while LIV Golf’s 3rd season will begin next month in Mexico at LIV Golf Canakoba.
