Rory McIlroy reveals how close he came to quitting DP World Tour: ‘I nearly fell foul of that rule’

Rory McIlroy has revealed he came close to giving up his European Tour membership in 2019, but a conversation with former chief executive Keith Pelley ultimately changed his mind.

The Northern Irishman admitted he seriously considered resigning his European Tour membership seven years ago in order to concentrate fully on the PGA Tour.

However, one particular consequence of that decision was enough to make him reconsider: potentially losing the opportunity to become a future Ryder Cup captain or vice-captain.

It is a situation that now has significant implications for the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell, all of whom previously terminated their DP World Tour memberships following their moves to LIV Golf.

While Garcia has since left the breakaway league and is preparing to return to the DP World Tour in 2027, his previous decision to relinquish membership could have lasting consequences for his Ryder Cup ambitions.

Speaking to reporters ahead of this week's Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links, McIlroy explained how close he came to making the same mistake.

"Yeah, I nearly fell foul of that rule," McIlroy admitted.

"I was going to give my DP World Tour membership up in 2019, and I had a chat with Keith Pelley at the time, and said, 'Look, you know, based in America. I want to focus over there for a bit.'

"Keith said to me, 'Totally fine but you do know if you give up your membership or you resign your membership, you can't be a captain or vice-captain of the Ryder Cup in the future.' I was like, 'Well, I'm not going to do that then.'"

Back in 2019, the circuit was known as the European Tour, but it changed to the DP World Tour in 2022. 

McIlroy explained that his decision was not originally connected to LIV Golf or the subsequent divisions within professional golf.

Instead, he was simply considering whether maintaining commitments on both sides of the Atlantic was becoming too demanding.

"I've had that, I guess, thought in my mind at one point as well, and it wasn't even about LIV. It was just about feeling like maybe I was spread too thin and trying to play here, there and everywhere," he added.

"But everyone knows that rule, and everyone knows that if you abdicate your membership, that's the consequence."

Watch McIlroy's comments here:

Sergio Garcia faces Ryder Cup captaincy question after LIV Golf exit

McIlroy's revelation is particularly interesting given the current situation surrounding Garcia, who recently confirmed he will fully return to the DP World Tour in 2027 after leaving LIV Golf.

The Spaniard remains the all-time record points scorer in Ryder Cup history, and has made no secret of his desire to return to the team for the first time since 2021.

Garcia confirmed last week that he would do everything possible to play well enough to earn selection for Luke Donald's next European Ryder Cup team at Adare Manor next September, while also expressing his willingness to help in any capacity.

However, becoming a future captain or vice-captain could prove considerably more complicated.

Under the current DP World Tour regulations, players who have resigned their membership face restrictions on future Ryder Cup leadership positions.

That means Garcia, despite his legendary Ryder Cup record, could find himself unable to follow in the footsteps of former European captains such as Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie and Thomas Bjorn.

The likes of Westwood, Poulter and McDowell also face similar questions following their previous departures from the DP World Tour.

Whether the regulations will eventually change remains to be seen, particularly with several former LIV players now looking to rebuild their relationships with the European circuit.

But McIlroy's comments offer a fascinating insight into why he was so determined to retain his membership, even when he was considering a much lighter schedule in Europe.

For the six-time major champion, the possibility of one day leading Europe out at the Ryder Cup was simply too important to sacrifice.

McIlroy dismisses Abu Dhabi safety concerns

Away from the Ryder Cup discussion, McIlroy also addressed the heightened security concerns surrounding this week's Abu Dhabi Championship.

Precautionary evacuation instructions have been issued to players and caddies at Yas Links amid ongoing tensions across the Middle East.

However, McIlroy insisted he had no concerns about competing in the UAE, having remained in close contact with the DP World Tour over the security situation.

"I don't think I would ever feel unsafe," he said.

The Northern Irishman acknowledged that a potential closure of airspace could create logistical difficulties, but insisted he did not believe he would be in danger.

"If everyone deems that it's safe to be here, then who am I to say otherwise?" he added.

McIlroy also made clear that the opportunity to finish his season strongly was an important factor in his decision to travel.

Race to Dubai history and fresh LIV Golf criticism

McIlroy is also chasing another significant piece of golfing history over the next fortnight.

The 37-year-old is targeting a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, which would see him match Colin Montgomerie's achievement.

He currently sits third in the standings behind Eugenio Chacarra and Patrick Reed, meaning he needs a strong finish across the Abu Dhabi Championship and next week's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

The Abu Dhabi winner receives 1,500 points, while the season-ending tournament in Dubai offers 2,000 points to its champion.

McIlroy will face both Chacarra and Reed in the opening two rounds at Yas Links, both of whom had previous stints on LIV Golf. 

He also praised the pair for returning to the DP World Tour and working their way back towards the PGA Tour.

However, McIlroy had considerably less praise for LIV Golf itself.

The Northern Irishman strongly backed DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings' recent claims that the breakaway league had spent more than $7 billion, with one of its objectives being to destroy the European Tour.

McIlroy alleged that LIV officials had openly discussed those intentions at Augusta National during this year's Masters.

"They took players; they took sponsors; they turned professional golf into an arms race," he said. 

"They were going around Augusta saying they wanted to destroy the European Tour."

McIlroy also questioned the sustainability of LIV Golf's financial model, suggesting the enormous investment was always likely to become problematic without a meaningful return.

The comments come amid a dramatic exodus from LIV Golf, with just about every big-name player now having confirmed their departure from the breakaway league, casting serious doubt over its future.

For McIlroy, however, the events of the past few years have only reinforced the importance of maintaining his relationship with the DP World Tour.

And while he may have been tempted to walk away from European golf back in 2019, one conversation with Pelley ensured he never surrendered the opportunity to one day lead Team Europe at the Ryder Cup.