'We Need Rory To Try To Keep Cantlay From Ruining The Tour' - Tournament Director Gives No-Holds-Barred Take On PGA Tour/PIF Negotiations
In an interview with Golfweek, an anonymous tournament director on the PGA Tour called for Rory McIlroy to return as a Policy Board player-director in order to help "get a deal done with LIV"
An anonymous tournament director on the PGA Tour has called for Rory McIlroy to make a triumphant return to the Policy Board as a player-director in order to save incumbent servant Patrick Cantlay from "ruining" the US-based circuit.
McIlroy left his governance role in November 2023, citing personal and professional commitments as his primary reasons, and Cantlay took over as the player-director's key spokesman thereafter.
But just months later, the four-time Major winner shocked much of the golfing world by stating that he was looking to rejoin the board as he believed he could help tie up a unification deal between the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League's backers, the Saudi PIF.
However, in the days before the Wells Fargo Championship and PGA Championship, McIlroy revealed that he was denied access to return via a vote as there was "a subset of people on the board who were uncomfortable with me coming back on."
Prior to this news, an anonymous source via Golfweek's Adam Schupak was quoted as saying that the Northern Irishman must return to a position of power at the PGA Tour or his Ryder Cup rival would continue to kibosh any kind of peace deal - something the future of men's pro golf desperately needs.
The source said: “We need Rory back on the board. Had he stayed on he could’ve neutered Cantlay. He’s the only one with the power to neuter Cantlay. We need Rory to try to keep Cantlay from ruining the Tour… Webb [Simpson] is too nice. A lot of people at the Tour at a very high level are thrilled that Rory is going back on the board for that reason."
Part of McIlroy's dream scenario for the future of men's pro golf involves a greater emphasis on a worldwide tour that features plenty of smaller-field events outside of the United States.
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.
And while McIlroy's opinion might not be to everyone's taste, the anonymous tournament director believes the PGA Tour is going to have to change its ways to some degree or find itself in trouble further down the line.
They continued: “Rory wants the Irish Open and other international events to be promoted and smaller fields and larger purses. There’s a lot we don’t like about Rory and his deal.
"But the main thing is Cantlay and we’ve got to get a deal done with the PIF. LIV’s got to go away. If we don’t get a deal done, we’re all screwed in the end. We all know it. (Cantlay) is against it. Rory is for it. So let’s get a deal done and get these (guys) put to bed.
"Do any of us want to work with the Saudis, no? But, on the other hand, none of us want to fight against them and their money for the rest of our careers, either. Cantlay is blocking any type of deal they try to put together.
"Rory wants (independent director) Jimmy Dunne to be the negotiator, not the players. The players should only be voting on what happens inside the ropes and rules and stuff. They are not businessmen.
"If you have a high school education, how the hell can you vote on multi-billion-dollar finance situations and investment properties? They don’t have a clue. They don’t know the business. Hire the top business guys in the world to do your deal. Put them in place and be done with it.”
After the quotes became public, PGA Tour pro Michael Kim posted on social media to say he finds it "hard to believe" that Cantlay is the one in charge of proceedings.
In a post on X, Kim said: "Idk where the Cantlay is running the board thing originally came from but I just find that really hard to believe." Asked by one fan why he thinks that, Kim replied: "Just from knowing all the personalities on the board and from some of the things I’ve heard."
Golf Monthly has approached Patrick Cantlay's representatives for comment.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
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