Rory McIlroy sounds the alarm before Masters tilt: "It sucks"
Rory McIlroy says 'it sucks' he cannot compete against the best golfers in the world more regularly as he called for the PGA Tour's schism with LIV Golf to end.
Rory McIlroy says 'it sucks' he cannot compete against the best players in the world more often as he called for the schism in men's professional golf to finally end.
McIlroy made the comments in an interview with Golf Monthly ahead of the Valero Texas Open.
The Northern Irishman, 34, is the lukewarm favourite to claim the PGA Tour event in his final tournament before attempting to complete the career grand slam at next week's Masters.
McIlroy has reportedly turned to the legendary swing instructor Butch Harmon in a bid to change his fortunes and end his major drought which has now entered its 10th year.
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"We're probably still quite a long ways from it, but I would hope that in the future that we can get there, unify the game and get the best players back together again," he told the publication.
McIlroy added: "It sucks as a competitor that I only get to see and compete against some of those guys four times a year, because ultimately they do have some of the best players in the world that are playing some really good golf.
"To not see the very best players in the world together more often I think is a shame for the overall game of golf and for fans that want to watch the pro game around the world.
"There needs to be a correction. I think what's happening is not sustainable right now, so something needs to happen to try to bring it all back together so we can all move forward so we don't have this division that's sort of ongoing."
McIlroy said the landscape is fractured for everyone, not just the players.
"I think the direction that both things are going right now, they keep going down those different paths and I just don't see how that benefits anyone in the long run."
Despite McIlroy's comments, there have been recent attempts made by PGA Tour and LIV Golf representatives to formulate a pathway forward.
PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan, along with Tiger Woods and the player directors from the established North American circuit, recently met with PIF officials in the Bahamas.
Woods is said to have even played a few holes of golf with the powerful Saudi businessman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
The aforementioned Monahan described the talks as 'constructive' but those present at the summit remain tight-lipped over what exactly was said.
Recently, former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley poured scorn over the potential of peace on the horizon.
"Don't hold your breath," he said.
"I'm confident"
Turning to matters on the course, McIlroy said he was 'confident' ahead of the major season.
His scouting mission was completed before the Valero Texas Open.
McIlroy told the publication: "Yeah, I feel good. My major play has definitely improved a bit over the last few years.
"Seven of the last eight I've finished in the top 10 and I've had a couple of really good chances in there as well. It's getting close," he said.
"I had a really good try at St. Andrews [2022 Open], I didn't quite get it done there. I also had a really good chance at LACC [2023 US Open] and didn't quite get it done there.
"I'm confident. I feel like my game is more well equipped to contend in Major championships more consistently.
"Yes I've won major championships in my career, and I've won them by a large margin, but I feel like my performances in majors used to be a little volatile, whereas now they are a little more consistent.
"I feel good about that and we've got four really good venues for the Majors this year and I'm excited for that as well."
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