Rory McIlroy has given his most wide-ranging interview yet on the emergence of LIV Golf on the sporting landscape and the Saudi Arabian threat to the PGA Tour.
Since its inception, LIV Golf has looked to steal a large share of the golfing pie from the PGA, with McIlroy standing as one of the most vocal speakers against the Saudi-backed endeavour.
As the months have ticked by, more and more elite levels golfers have made the switch across tours, for reported eye-watering sums of cash in the hundreds of millions.
Now, with LIV Golf and the PGA Tour still locked in talks regarding an ultimate resolution, McIlroy has not only accepted that both institutions must find a wayof working togethr, he has also acknowledged that he may have been too judgemental.
The Northern Irishman joined ex-football pros Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher on the Stick to Football Podcast, produced by Sky Bet.
McIlroy has decided to speak out further on the ongoing war, in the immediate aftermath of his close friend and Ryder Cup team-mate Jon Rahm deflecting to the breakaway tour for a reported £450m.
Speaking on the latest movements, McIlroy said: “I think at this point, I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV golf at the start, and I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realise that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Wood’s position.
“We all turn professionals to making a living playing the sports that we do, and I think that’s what I realised over the last two years.
“I can’t judge people for making that decision, so if I regret anything, it was probably being too judgmental at the start.”
McIlroy has been busy with the process of starting his own golf venture with living legend Woods, which the duo are calling th PGA golf league.
Nonetheless, a side option for golfers alongside the PGA Tour will not prevent others from succumbing to the lure of LIV, particularly if big money is on offer.
McIlroy added: “I’ve gone through the last two years with this altruistic approach where I’ve looked at the world the way I’ve wanted to see it.
“Ultimately, you can say what you want and do what you want, but at the end of the day, you’re not going to be able to change people’s minds. You’re never going to make them decide based on what you say.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve lost the fight against LIV, but I’ve just accepted the fact that this is part of our sport now.”
