Rory McIlroy applauds Tiger Woods for joining policy board

The Northern Irishman addressed his golf game and gave his first thoughts on next season's PGA Tour schedule. But attention was also directed to what has been going on off the links with the proposed merger in professional golf, and McIlroy was asked about his good friend Tiger Woods being added to the PGA Tour Player Policy Board last week. 

"Tiger's stepped up for all of us on [the] Tour and I think he realizes all the players on the policy board are trying to play regular golf and at the same time trying to navigate all these different things as well, so he's maybe got a little bit more time on his hands than we do," McIlroy said, via the Mirror.

"So for him to step up and sort of take a little bit of the load off us is very much appreciated."

Woods has kept a very low profile since he had to withdraw from the Masters in April and ultimately end his 2023 season, even staying quiet when the proposed deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was revealed. McIlroy, who also serves on the policy board, has remained at the forefront as one of the most vocal opposers of LIV Golf and its backers

Woods' addition to the board gives PGA players a majority in voting, which could be pivotal in deciding whether a merger agreement is even reached. It has not been made public when the board will hold its next meeting.

Meanwhile, McIlroy looks to have repeat success in the FedEx Cup playoffs starting with a big showing at the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind this week. That event tees off on Thursday.