Rory McIlroy considered Tuesday "a good day" for members of the PGA Tour, as he felt the attempts of LIV Golf rebels to enter the FedEx Cup had made the dispute around the breakaway series "personal".
A judge ruled ahead of the FedEx St. Jude Championship that LIV Golf players were not eligible to compete in the play-offs.
Talor Gooch, Matt Jones and Hudson Swafford had filed a restraining order to allow them to play this week's tournament, while 11 LIV Golf stars put together an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour.
McIlroy, who said he was following the proceedings live on Tuesday, was delighted the trio had not been granted access after abandoning the Tour for the lucrative new Saudi-backed league.
"From my vantage point, common sense prevailed, and I thought it was the right decision," McIlroy said.
"And now that that has happened, I think it just lets us focus on the important stuff, which is the golf, and we can all move forward and not have that sideshow going on for the next few weeks, which is nice."
The four-time major winner, who finished third as Cameron Smith – reported to be the next LIV Golf signing – won The Open last month, was asked if the struggle between players on either tour had become "personal".
"Yeah – and it was when that lawsuit was filed last week or whenever it was," McIlroy replied.
"The thing that I would say [is that] I certainly have a little more respect for the guys that haven't put their names to the suit. Yeah, it's become a little more personal because of that."
And while delighted with the outcome on Tuesday, McIlroy knows there will be plenty more battles ahead.
Explaining his outlook, the Northern Irishman said: "Guys are going to make their own decisions that they feel is best for them, and that's totally fine.
"I don't begrudge anyone for going over to play LIV or taking guaranteed money. If that's your prerogative and what you want to do, totally fine.
"But I think where the resentment comes from, from the membership of this tour, is the fact that they want to try to get their way back in here with no consequences.
"Anyone that's read that PGA Tour handbook or abided by the rules and regulations, that would feel very unfair to them.
"That's sort of how it played out, and I think everyone that has abided by the rules was... There's such a long way to go – it's like you've birdied the first hole, but you've still got 17 holes to go – but it was a good day for the Tour and for the majority of the membership yesterday."
McIlroy has been prominent in his opposition to LIV Golf, and he revealed on Wednesday he had received an offer from the Premier Golf League, but not from the latest threat to the PGA Tour.
The 33-year-old was therefore asked if he enjoyed his role as an unofficial spokesperson for the PGA Tour.
"Not really," McIlroy replied, but he does feel his game has somehow benefited from his being at the centre of a storm when off the course.
"I don't feel like it's my job to be up here and stick up for the Tour or be a spokesperson," he said.
"It's just sort of the role that I've found myself in, especially coming on the PGA Tour [policy] board this year. It was a great time to agree to do that...
"I've said this to a few people: I feel when I then get myself inside the ropes, it's like no one can get to me, and it's really nice.
"So, it's actually made the golf part of it way more enjoyable. And I sort of appreciate it a little bit more, because of all the other stuff that's going on.
"If anything, it's probably helped my golf, just because I can get out there and I can not think about it and compartmentalise everything and maybe enjoy competing a little bit more – or at least appreciate it a little bit more with everything else that's going on."
Sidney Wolf to be inducted into Caribbean Golf Association's Hall of Fame
The Caribbean Golf Association (CGA)has announced the induction of Sidney Wolf into the CGA Hall of Fame. The ceremony recognizing Wolf’s decades-long dedication and significant contributions to the sport of golf in the Caribbean will take place prior to the PRGA’s 70th anniversary celebration gala on December 13 at 6pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Sidney Wolf has been a cornerstone of Caribbean golf since his first appearance at the Hoerman Cup in Jamaica in 1989. Serving as president of the CGA intermittently since 1995 and leading the Puerto Rico Golf Association (PRGA) for nearly three decades, Wolf has played a pivotal role in promoting and developing golf throughout the region.
Wolf's involvement with the CGA began as Vice President in 1995, supporting various presidents before stepping into the leadership role himself. Notably, in 2009, he initiated the process to establish the CGA Hall of Fame, further demonstrating his commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in Caribbean golf. His unwavering commitment has seen him attend nearly all CGA Championships and assist in conducting these events. His leadership has been instrumental in chairing and hosting numerous significant tournaments, including four Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships (CAGCs), five Caribbean Junior Golf Championships (CAJGCs) in Puerto Rico, several CGA Classics in Puerto Rico, the United States, and the Dominican Republic, as well as two Caribbean Cups.
Beyond organizing events, Wolf has been crucial in securing attractive rates and packages, significantly reducing costs, and ensuring the CGA's financial stability. His fundraising efforts, particularly through securing raffle prizes, have bolstered the association’s financial health. Wolf has emphasized the importance of developing local talent in tournament administration and rules.
In recognition of his extensive contributions, Wolf's induction into the CGA Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication to the sport. His achievements also include induction into the Puerto Rico Sports Hall of Fame and the PRGA Hall of Fame. He is a respected member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and has served on the USGA Regional Affairs committee since 1996.
Internationally, Wolf has made significant impacts as well. He chaired the World Amateur Team Championships in 2004, worked with the PGA TOUR Latin America and the PGA TOUR, and played a pivotal role in hosting the first USGA Championship outside the US mainland in 2022 and the Latin American Amateur Championship in 2023. He co-founded the Americas Golf Association and the Copa de las Americas and currently serves as Chairman of the Future Sites Committee for the International Golf Federation (IGF).
Reflecting on his career, Wolf credits the collaborative efforts of past CGA presidents and dedicated regional leaders for the association’s success. Despite the sacrifices and long hours, Wolf's service has always been about giving back to the sport he loves. His legacy is marked by relentless dedication, visionary leadership, and a profound impact on golf in the Caribbean and beyond.
Young delighted to 'feel like himself' after Hero World Challenge opening round
Cameron Young holds a two-shot lead after the first round of the Hero World Challenge, which is being hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas.
The 27-year-old shot eight under par with no bogeys on Thursday, which gave him a lead over Justin Thomas, who birdied four of the last five holes.
Young is number 38 in the world rankings and was named the 2022 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, but has not yet won a PGA title.
The American was understandably pleased with his start to the tournament.
"It's a nice thing to come out and just feel like yourself," he said.
"Really happy with it. I feel like with the driver I was just really comfortable and that's a huge key out here.
"I'm sure I missed a fairway or two, but for the most part I was really well in position. Then I made a couple putts early, which was nice."
Elsewhere, defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler is on five under through the first round, three shots back on Young.
Scheffler is tied with Ludvig Aberg, Sahith Theegala, Patrick Cantlay and Akshay Bhatia.
Woods, who is the host and a 15-time major winner, was forced to miss the tournament having been originally expected to take an exemption spot – the tournament itself features 20 of the world's top players.
While there was no official reason given for Woods' absence, a lengthy injury history has ensured a limited competition schedule in recent years.
Dealing with 'unfair expectations' just 'part of the gig' for McIlroy
Rory McIlroy knows dealing with "unfair expectations" comes with the territory as one of golf's star names.
The four-time major winner was close to ending his long wait for a fifth such title at the U.S. Open earlier this year, but suffered a heartbreaking near-miss.
Bryson DeChambeau capitalised on McIlroy's wobble, and the Northern Irishman has now not won a major for a decade, with his last triumph arriving at the 2014 PGA Championship.
McIlroy had previously won the 2011 U.S. Open, the PGA Championship in 2023 and The Open two years later.
"I'm hard on myself, but at the same time, I try very hard to focus on the positives and move forward," McIlroy told Sky Sports.
"I learn from my mistakes and then move on, because that's all you can do in any walk of life.
"I think what the hard thing is in my position is your disappointments and your mistakes keep getting brought up to you every time that you get in front of a camera or you're in a press conference or answering questions. That's the tough part of this gig.
"At the same time, I am in a very fortunate position that this is what I get to do for a living. If I have to deal with what people deem are unfair expectations or are held to a higher standard than others, then so be it.
"I'd much rather have it this way than if people didn't really care about what I was doing on the golf course."
The 35-year-old has been nominated for the 2024 PGA Tour Player of the Year award and won his sixth Race to Dubai last month.
But McIlroy knows his slip-up at the U.S. Open is what will stand out from his campaign.
He had a comfortable lead at eight-under, but three bogeys allowed DeChambeau to win by a single shot. McIlroy took time away from the sport in the wake of the tournament.
"It's hard because, on one hand, I sit here, and I'm proud of what I've done this year, but then, on the other hand, I sit here, and I am disappointed because of the ones I've let get away," McIlroy said.
"I'd say it was a combination of everything. I wouldn't say it's specifically the putts. I wouldn't say it's specifically the club choices - I think it's a combination.
"The putt on 16 was probably the one that I'll look back on most that I'll regret. But I think if I had made par on 15, do I miss that putt on 16? Also, with the last few holes and with the way Pinehurst flows, I was waiting for Bryson to hit his shots.
"You're very aware of what's happening behind you and I needed to do a better job of trying to block that out and I didn't. It's hard enough just having to concentrate on yourself and focus on what you're doing.
"Whenever your attention is taken away by focusing and looking at what your competitor does, it makes it even more difficult," he added.
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