“I had hoped that my relocation would cause them to regret their actions, but they are simply a group of foolish individuals.”
On Tuesday (local time), Rory McIlroy stepped down from his position on the PGA Tour’s board of directors.
The tour was in the process of finalizing a deal to establish a new commercial enterprise with Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund when an unexpected action disrupted their plans.
His decision at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai had not been previously disclosed by McIlroy.
Although there have been remarks about his three-year tenure on the board, which coincided with some of the tour’s most tumultuous periods.
Monahan and Herlihy issued a statement, expressing gratitude towards McIlroy for his commitment.
Over the last five years, I have demonstrated my commitment and allegiance in various roles such as serving two terms on the Advisory Council, holding a position of PAC Chairman for one term, and being appointed as the initial player to join the board.
He opted to resign from his board post in order to concentrate on golf and dedicate more quality time with his loved ones, having already won four majors.
The resignation of the Northern Irishman highlights the disturbance that has taken over golf since the formation of LIV Golf tournament in 2022.
Monahan and Herlihy stated that they acknowledge Rory’s dedication to the tour during this unique time in our history, and therefore appreciate his choice to resign for the purpose of concentrating on golf as well as spending quality time with his loved ones.
Reportedly declining a substantial offer to join the organization with abundant financial resources, McIlroy was noted as one of PGA Tour’s most steadfast members in the midst of their harsh split from LIV Golf. At age 34, his commitment stood out among others.
In June, the PGA Tour’s announcement of a partnership with the group behind LIV Golf was shocking and left him surprised. The move ultimately resolved their dispute.
Later, McIlroy disclosed that he was unaware of the discussions leading to the alliance between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Despite his unwavering support for the PGA Tour throughout the LIV Golf controversy, McIlroy expressed frustration upon discovering that a deal had been made without his knowledge.
“I find it difficult to sit here and not feel like a sacrificial lamb or that I forced myself out, which is exactly what happened,” expressed McIlroy during the Canadian Open in June.
He admitted that his attempt to resist the billions of dollars from Saudi Arabia destined for golf had been unsuccessful.
McIlroy expressed his disinterest to serve on the PGA Tour’s board of directors while speaking in Dubai before officially announcing his resignation.
When asked if he was interested in influencing the negotiations that would determine the appearance of PGA Tour-Saudi joint venture, his response was negative. He stated that it wasn’t part of his role when he became a board member. Nevertheless, golf has undergone significant changes over the past two years.
