Rory McIlroy, who has confirmed he will participate in the PGA Tour’s peace talks with LIV Golf, says he has no problem with Tiger Woods.
After it was revealed that the 15-time major champion voted against the Northern Irishman’s return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, Rory McIlroy downplayed reports that his relationship with Tiger Woods is “strained.”
Five months ago, McIlroy resigned from his high-ranking role, reportedly upset about the state of peace negotiations with LIV Golf’s Saudi backers to finalize the framework agreement last June.
However, it seemed last month that McIlroy wanted his seat back because there wasn’t much progress made in creating a plan of action between the two tours.
Webb Simpson, the player director, stated that he was willing to resign his position provided McIlroy came back.
However, Patrick Cantlay, Tiger Woods, and Jordan Spieth were among the “faction” of athletes who opposed McIlroy’s comeback.
McIlroy does not share the opinions of the trio.
In order to allow LIV players to rejoin the fold without any restrictions, McIlroy wants the PGA Tour to implement a truly worldwide schedule.
Following the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship, McIlroy was asked directly about his friendship with Woods. “I would say, I mean, I think friends can have disagreements or not see things — I guess not — not see eye to eye on things but have disagreements on things,” McIlroy replied.
“It seems OK to me. However, I wouldn’t say that because we had a great 45-minute conversation last Friday about a wide range of topics.
“No, that area is not under strain. I believe that our perspectives on the game of golf may diverge slightly, but that shouldn’t put any strain on a friendship or a relationship.”
The aforementioned Woods, three officials, and player liaison Joe Ogilvie would be the only players in person meetings with the Saudis, it was revealed earlier in the day.
A “transaction subcommittee” that Woods is now a member of will provide updates to the player directors.
Even though he no longer has a seat on the board, McIlroy has acknowledged that he is a member of that committee.
McIlroy remarked, “I’m on that transaction committee, too.”
He continued, saying, “I’ve already spoken with that group; on Sunday, I had a great hour and a half on Zoom, during which we went over a 150-page document regarding the future product model and everything else.
“Yes, I participate in that transaction committee in some capacity even though I’m not on the board. I feel like I can be useful on that committee, and that was sort of a compromise for me not getting a board seat. I don’t have a vote, so I don’t have a meaningful say in what happens in the future, but at least I can.”
Even though he is not returning to the board, McIlroy stated that Simpson serving out his term was the best alternative.
He said, “It was more about the process of how I could get involved again, right? I don’t necessarily think or believe that people didn’t want me involved.
“For example, the board underwent a comprehensive eight-month governance review; however, the events involving Webb and me were not covered by the governance, correct? What then is the procedure to attempt to reintegrate me?”
“That was really the sticking point with it all,” he continued. Indeed, as you can see, we made an effort to reach a compromise. I raised my hand and offered assistance if that was Webb’s preferred course of action.
“I’m on the transaction committee, and our main goal is to try to close this deal with PIF, but it was really difficult to do that.
“I think I have good relationships with both parties there, and hopefully I can try to bring some value and insight to the table and see if we can work this out.”
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