Rory McIlroy abruptly walks out of PGA Tour policy board

Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour policy board after serving for five years.

15 Nov 2023

Rory McIlroy abruptly walks out of PGA Tour policy board

Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour Board, it was confirmed by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan on Tuesday November 14.

McIlroy, 34, had provided signs he was fed up with his role on the PGA Tour Board during his DP World Tour Championship press conference earlier in the day over at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

Five big reasons why Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour policy board

The World No.2 mentioned how the job was no longer the one he initially signed up to in light of the ongoing framework agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The PIF of course also bankrolls the PGA Tour's rival, the LIV Golf League, which McIlroy has hit out at a number of times.

McIlroy to move back to UK

When pressed by reporters at the DP World Tour Championship on November 14 as to whether he was enjoying his seat at the PGA Tour table, McIlroy firmly replied:

"Not particularly, no. Not what I signed for whenever I went on the board. But yeah, the game of professional golf has been in flux for the last two years."

PGA Tour commissioner Monahan then issued a statement to confirm news of McIlroy's departure from the PGA Tour board and to thank him for his commitment.

Read Monahan's comments in full below...

McIlroy initially served two years on the Player Advisory Council (PAC), one year as PAC chairman and then two further years as the first international golfer to serve on the board of directors at the PGA Tour.

#RESIGNED — Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA TOUR policy board. Here is the email Commissioner Monahan sent out tonight:
Good evening.
I wanted to inform you that Rory Mcllroy has resigned from the PGA TOUR Policy Board. Rory's resignation letter, which he sent to… pic.twitter.com/uotDyI8FFo
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) November 15, 2023

Monahan said of McIlroy:

"Rory’s insight has been instrumental in helping shape the success of the tour, and his willingness to thoughtfully voice his opinions has been especially impactful. Given the extraordinary time and effort that Rory — and all of his fellow player directors — have invested in the tour during this unprecedented, transformational period in our history, we certainly understand and respect his decision to step down in order to focus on his game and his family."

The PGA Tour will now work on finding a suitable replacement for McIlroy on the board.

PGA Tour player Michael Kim took to Twitter to give his thoughts on McIlroy's resignation.

"I didn’t agree with some of Rory’s opinions but he clearly cared about the PGA Tour and tried to make thoughtful decisions. A bit sad to see Rory resign from the board. I’m sure many board members tried to persuade him otherwise but it’s definitely a taxing position. Hopefully someone thoughtful and reasonable will replace him."

In light of the PGA Tour's ongoing framework agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the PGA Tour held its final Policy Board meeting of the year at its HQ on Tuesday November 14.

Tiger Woods, who was named a player director earlier this season, was called in for the "significant board meeting".

PGA Tour commissioner Monahan led the meeting and he confirmed in the memo that was sent out to members that negotiations towards a definitive agreement with the PIF and the DP World Tour remain a "priority".

Monahan's memo also triggered LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson into an instant reaction on social media after it emerged there will be potential for player equity in the PGA Tour's new for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises.

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