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Rory McIlroy Changes Tone on LIV Golf: Embraces Change

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ross Baran | Last updated Jan 4, 2024 9:25 PM ET

As the LIV/PGA saga continues on following the last minute extension of the merger deadline last week, there was quite the surprise from one of the PGA's truthers. Rory McIlroy, quite possibly the most outspoken member of the PGA Tour for the last two years, has now seemingly adjusted his tune.

Let's be honest, Rory was a "scapegoat" for the PGA Tour throughout this saga. He was the player representative sent out weekly to speak out on the "evils" of LIV. In return, the PGA ended up cutting a deal with PIF behind his back in attempt to eventually merge the tours together into a new for-profit entity. Frankly, I'd be pissed if in Rory's shoes, so it's not a surprise that McIlroy is changing his tune on the new opportunities that golf may present from this merger.

Rory Sees Writing On The Wall, Gets It

McIlroy is in a fortunate position where the LIV money isn't life changing for him, but he now understands why guys are taking the leap. Theoretically, it is a temporary move. The idea seems to be that at some point both parties are going to come together and create a new golf entity.

McIlroy now believes some of the PGA departures made the right move. Following Jon Rahm's move, McIlroy called for changes in the Ryder Cup rules moving forward, in Rahm's favor. He believes that LIV golfers should be able to participate (of course he does, because he wants Rahm on his team) but McIlroy sees the writing on the wall. LIV is going to be a part of the game one way or another moving forward.

What's On Tap Next?

Rory McIlroy apparently wants to be on the right side of this progression moving forward. He was hung out to dry early in this venture and resigned from the chair board as a result. He simply wants to focus on his game and just play golf. He'll embrace the changes, though he is hoping for a more team-implemented format moving forward. We will wait to see how the deal progresses, if it progresses at all for that matter.

The PGA Tour leadership has botched this so badly, making McIlroy's ridding of any ties or responsibility to them understandable. Jay Monahan needs to be replaced with someone more competent following the deal, but that is a thought for another time. With that said, Rory McIlroy is backing off of sports politics and settling into to being an athlete. All of that aside, the season is upon us and the long grind started at The Sentry on Thursday.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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