Jones reveals McIlroy, tour pros reaction to his LIV deal: "Bitter and jealous!"

Matt Jones has spoken about how he was with Rory McIlroy when it was confirmed he was joining LIV Golf.

17 Apr 2023

Jones reveals McIlroy, tour pros reaction to his LIV deal: "Bitter and jealous!" — Jones reveals McIlroy, tour pros reaction to his LIV deal: "Bitter and…

Matt Jones has revealed the reaction from Rory McIlroy when it was confirmed he was joining LIV Golf in a last-minute deal.

Jones reportedly was sat in a therapy room with the Ulsterman at Muirfield Village ahead of the Memorial hosted by Jack Nicklaus when news broke he was bolting from the PGA Tour.

We don't know how much Jones was given in a signing-on fee for his services in the Greg Norman-led tour, although we would suggest it's probably north of $1m.

That was the primary reason why Jones agreed to sign on the dotted line. "I don't have the money and contracts those guys do," Jones told the Sydney Morning Herald. "It made sense to me."

Jones reveals McIlroy, tour pros reaction to his LIV deal:

Of his deal, he told the publication:

"It was very last minute. I was first initially in touch with them in May and then I signed the contract on the Monday of the Memorial [tournament] and they announced the field on the Wednesday.

"I was on the tables in the therapy room with Rory [McIlroy] and [Billy] Horschel when my name come out during that tournament.

"They were fine. They understand for a lot of guys, 'Why wouldn't you'? I don't have the money and contracts those guys do. It made sense for me.

"Not one person I know was being critical, they might have been a little upset or jealous. I think there's a lot of that. Maybe they didn't get contacted or a chance to do it - and then they were bitter and jealous."

McIlroy and Tiger Woods have led the response to LIV Golf since last June, combining to convince the elite players on the PGA Tour to make a commitment to play together more often.

One of the most significant changes came in the form of increasing the prize money payouts for tournaments.

The PGA Tour came up with 'designated events' that are only going to be available to the best performers.

Those that finish inside the top-20 of the tour's social media popularity contest - the player impact program - are required to play in the designated events. They are only allowed to skip one.

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McIlroy faced criticism when he decided to miss the RBC Heritage. He had already missed the first designated event of 2023 in Hawaii.

In light of McIlroy's decision, several tour pros wanted answers from commissioner Jay Monahan.

It has now been confirmed that McIlroy will be docked $3m for missing the tournament.

As for Jones, he also told the Herald it's unfortunate the PGA Tour hasn't adapted their schedule to have more events in Australia.

He added:

"I think it's a shame it hasn't happened. I know there's been multiple conversations from certain Aussie players to try to get one down here and I know it's never happened. I can't see it happening now."

LIV Golf Adelaide will take place over 21-23 April at The Grange Golf Club.

Jones is part of Cameron Smith's all-Australian Ripper GC side.

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