Rory McIlroy never has a dull moment, does he?
Many thought that the recent DP World Tour Championship was a bit of a letdown, given that the Northern Irishman already won the Race to Dubai – or the old order of merit – in old money.
On the eve before the $10 million showpiece, at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, it was confirmed that McIlroy resigned his position as a powerful member of the PGA Tour policy board.
The memo he sent to Jay Monahan as the head of the U.S. Circuit was a little bit shocking.
McIlroy is battle-fatigued after being on the frontlines of golf’s power struggles for the past two turbulent years. No wonder.
A high-powered meeting he attended during the week before a tournament, at the heights of the conflict, lasted seven hours.
McIlroy is clearly focused on what he loves to do – hitting a ball around in a field of gold – and not get bogged down by the muck of heated meetings or long phone calls, which have become the norm.
McIlroy, like everyone else, was stunned when the DP World Tour, PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund, who bankroll the LIV Series, announced an armistice, and unveiled a framework agreement for working together.
Rory McIlroy and PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan shake hands after a press conference at East Lake Golf Club, ahead of the 2022 Tour Championship in Atlanta. (Photo: Steve Helber/Associated Press).
The 34-year old clearly felt betrayed, referring to himself once as a “sacrificial lamb” as clandestine conversations and wink-and-nod dealings took place in whispering shadows.
Due to the complexity of the agreement, the deadline for completing the deal was set at Dec. 31, but it is likely that this will be missed.
A group of investors based in the United States has also been rumored to be planning on dumping the PIF and replacing it with a massive financial package. The truce, which was uneasy at best, would soon collapse. All would be back in the trenches preparing for a return to hostilities.
It’s probably for the best that McIlroy is no longer in the forefront.
Jon Rahm thinks so. The Spaniard was not in a hurry to fill the spot that ultimately went to Jordan Spieth.
He said, “Absolutely not a chance.” “I have been asked several times if I am interested, but I will not spend my time in six- or seven-hour meetings. I’m here to do something else.
Rory’s decision to resign still surprised the Masters champion.
Rahm asked. “Not really. “I can see why someone would do that. Especially with all the things involved.”
