Rory McIlroy Set To Make Shock Return To PGA Tour Policy Board - Report
The World No.2 could be returning to the PGA Tour policy board as a player director once again after stepping down from the role last November
Rory McIlroy is reportedly set to make a surprise return to the PGA Tour policy board, six months after stepping down from his role as player director.
The Guardian reports that US Open champion Webb Simpson, who has been a player director on the PGA Tour policy board since 2023, has tendered his resignation and requested for McIlroy to take his place.
According to the report, McIlroy will be subject to a vote on Wednesday over taking on director roles on both the PGA Tour’s policy board and PGA Tour Enterprises, a new commercial venture created through investment from Strategic Sports Group (SSG) that is designed to give players an opportunity to hold equity in the tour.
McIlroy made the shock decision to resign from the PGA Tour’s policy board last November to "focus on his game and his family", after he had been an outspoken advocate for the tour amid the so-called civil war with LIV Golf.
However, the men’s professional game has remained in a fractured state, with negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – which bankrolls LIV Golf – continuing to be in flux.
McIlroy’s return to a leadership role could help expedite matters, with the Northern Irishman apparently having close relationships with key stakeholders like the DP World Tour and Fenway Sports Group, which is part of SSG. He has also historically had friendly relations with PIF governor Yasir al-Rumayyan.
The World No.2 has long been a proponent of re-unifying men’s professional golf, having said recently: “The game is way better with all of us together.”
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
"I actually think there's a really big disconnect between PIF and LIV," he said at last month's Players Championship. "I think you got PIF over here and LIV are sort of over here doing their own thing. So the closer that we can get to Yasir, PIF and hopefully finalize that investment, I think that will be a really good thing.”
McIroy’s return to the position will need approval from the 12 members of the PGA Tour policy board, which includes player directors Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati, Jordan Spieth and Simpson.
It comes as McIlroy reaffirmed his desire to play for the PGA Tour for the remainder of his career, after the 34-year-old was subject to rumors last week that he would be joining LIV Golf.
McIlroy will be looking to bounce back from disappointing finishes at the Masters and RBC Heritage at this week’s Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
Joel Kulasingham is freelance writer for Golf Monthly. He has worked as a sports reporter and editor in New Zealand for more than five years, covering a wide range of sports including golf, rugby and football. He moved to London in 2023 and writes for several publications in the UK and abroad. He is a life-long sports nut and has been obsessed with golf since first swinging a club at the age of 13. These days he spends most of his time watching, reading and writing about sports, and playing mediocre golf at courses around London.
-
Graham DeLaet Facts: 20 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro Turned Broadcaster
Graham DeLaet had a successful career in the game, but after injuries took a toll, he has stepped into a broadcasting role in recent years - here are 20 facts about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Arron Oberholser Facts: 15 Things To Know About The PGA Tour-Winning Golf Channel Broadcaster
Arron Oberholser left his PGA Tour career behind to take up life as a Golf Channel broadcaster in 2013 – here are 15 things to know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Hero Who Tried To Save Brian Harman's Son From Drowning In Coma As Open Champion Asks For Prayers Ahead Of RSM Classic
The incident occurred at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida in October while Harman was away from his family competing on the Asian Tour
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Posts Heartfelt Message To 'Hero' And 'Inspiration' Rafa Nadal Following Tennis Icon's Retirement
The Spanish tennis player has left the game after 22 Grand Slam victories - and four-time Major winner McIlroy joined in with the messages of congratulations
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
5 Big Things To Know About The New PGA Tour Changes
The PGA Tour Policy Board and Player Advisory Council have signed off on a number of changes which will come into effect as early as January 2025
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Proves Fierce Loyalty To Caddie With Heartfelt Message In Race To Dubai Victory Speech
Addressing Harry Diamond after winning the Race To Dubai, McIlroy thanked his best friend and called any stick he had received this year "unwarranted"
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Why Are We Making This So Hard?' - Hunter Mahan Says One Simple Change Would Help PGA Tour Promote More Leading Young Talent
While the PGA Tour U Rankings help one college golfer each season earn a direct path to the top table, Mahan does not believe it goes far enough...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
RSM Classic Prize Money Payout 2024
Ludvig Aberg defends his RSM Classic title as the PGA Tour season concludes at Sea Island Golf Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
How All 10 DP World Tour Graduates Fared In The 2024 PGA Tour Season
Robert MacIntyre won twice while Matthieu Pavon also earned a big tournament victory...
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Just Days After The Birth Of His First Child... Rafael Campos Is A PGA Tour Winner
Campos became only the second Puerto Rican to win on the PGA Tour days after becoming a father for the first time
By Mike Hall Published