Rory McIlroy resigns from PGA Tour board
Rory McIlroy has taken the “difficult decision” to resign from the PGA Tour Policy Board and his replacement has already been named
Rory McIlroy has left the PGA Tour Policy Board.
The Northern Irishman says his resignation is down to “professional and personal commitments.”
In a statement to the New York Times, PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan and board chairman Edward Herlihy wrote:
“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.
“Rory’s resignation letter, which he sent to the board late this afternoon (Tuesday), clearly stated that the difficult decision was made due to professional and personal commitments.”
It’s since been announced that three-time major champion Jordan Spieth has been elected to serve the rest of McIlroy’s term which lasts until the end of 2024.
McIlroy was instrumental in the PGA Tour’s response to the rise of LIV Golf, helping to devise the 2023 PGA Tour schedule‘s elevated events and increased purses.
The four-time major champion was joined by Tiger Woods on the board earlier this year, increasing player representation at the heart of the circuit’s decision-making.
“Something had to give,” McIlroy said to the media in Dubai. “There are only so many hours in a day and only so many days in a week. I’ve got a lot going on in my life right now between trying to be a world-class golfer and trying to be a good husband and a good father.
“I’ve got a growing investment portfolio that is taking up more of my time. I’m involved with TGL and sort of in the weeds with that. On top of all that, the Policy Board stuff was taking more of my time than ever this year. I just felt something had to give.”
McIlroy embodied the tour’s opposition to the Saudi-funded series, stating he “hated” it soon after the tour announced its potential framework agreement with the Public Investment Fund.
“I said it to Jay yesterday,” speaking in June. “You’ve galvanised everyone against something and that thing that you galvanised everyone against you’ve now partnered with.”
McIlroy also described himself as a “sacrificial lamb” when Monahan entered talks with LIV’s investors, but at this week’s DP World Tour Championship, he welcomed a deal with the PIF.
“I think getting something done sooner rather than later is a good thing,” he said. “Because you know, even if we get a deal done, it doesn’t mean that it’s actually going to happen.
“That’s up to the United States government at that point, and whether the Department of Justice think that it’s the right thing to do or – anti-competitive or whatever.
“Even if a deal does get done, it’s not a sure thing – we are just going to have to wait and see. But in my opinion, the faster something gets done, the better.”
Jon Rahm was asked about McIlroy’s decision in Dubai and whether the Spaniard could step up:
“Oh, you won’t see me there. Absolutely no chance. I’ve been asked a couple of times if I have any interest, and I’m not going to spend, I don’t know how many meetings they have, but they are six, seven, hour-plus long.
“I’m not here for that.
“As regards Rory, he’s obviously been put in a situation where a lot has been expected of him, and I don’t know the exact reason why he left the board.
“But I certainly wouldn’t blame somebody like him to just want to focus a bit more on his game and his family and enjoy the bit of time he’s truly earned.
“Again, it’s a big commitment for somebody to be part of it.”
Rory McIlroy PGA Tour board resignation part of reshuffle
Yesterday, Monahan also wrote in a memo to the PGA Tour’s membership that Patrick Cantlay had been reappointed as a player director and Valero chairman Joe Gorder would become an independent director of the board.
The underfire commissioner also informed the players that there is still a focus “toward a definitive agreement” with the PIF and the DP World Tour.
“Progress has been deliberate given the complex nature of the potential agreement, and we will keep you apprised of the progress, with continued input and direction from your player directors and player advisor Colin Neville,” Monahan wrote in the memo.
He also confirmed “other interested investors” had reached out to the PGA Tour such as Fenway Sports Group, Acorn Growth and Eldridge Industries.
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
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