Rory McIlroy reveals why he and Tiger Woods did not grant Nelly Korda's wish

Rory McIlroy has defended TGL’s decision to launch a separate women’s competition after Nelly Korda labelled the absence of a mixed format a “huge and unbelievable miss”.

Korda, 28, believes the innovative league missed a golden opportunity by choosing to separate the men’s and women’s competitions.

But McIlroy, 37, sees things differently.

The six-time major champion, who co-owns TGL alongside Tiger Woods through their TMRW Sports venture, believes WTGL deserves the chance to establish its own identity and give female players a platform to showcase their personalities.

“In my opinion, I think it's amazing to give the women their own platform,” McIlroy said.

The PGA Tour superstar also expects the men to support the new competition and help raise its profile.

“I think the guys are going to go and support the women, and we'll be there; we'll be at games, and we'll help to raise the profile of the overall platform.”

McIlroy explains why WTGL matters

McIlroy believes TGL has already demonstrated how its format can help professional golfers connect with fans in a different way.

Traditional tournament golf is largely focused on individual performances and results. TGL, meanwhile, has placed greater emphasis on team competition, entertainment and allowing players to show more of their personalities.

The Northern Irishman hopes the women's competition can achieve something similar.

“From a TGL perspective in the men's, I think it's been really beneficial for guys to show their personalities and show a different side to themselves, and hopefully that will be the same for the women coming up over the coming weeks.”

The World No.2 believes giving the women their own stage will allow them to develop the competition on their own terms.

“I do think that it is important to give the women their own platform and encourage them to grow that themselves,” he added.

WTGL will feature several prominent names, including Lexi Thompson, Charley Hull, Lydia Ko, Brooke Henderson and Jeeno Thitikul.

However, Korda will not be among them, and her absence has fuelled debate about whether TGL should have taken a different approach.

Korda calls mixed format a missed opportunity

Korda previously admitted she had “mixed feelings” about the decision to create separate competitions.

While she welcomed the opportunity WTGL presents for women's golf, she believes having men and women compete alongside one another could have been revolutionary.

“I think it's a huge and unbelievable miss that we're not playing alongside the men,” Korda said.

The World No.1 argued that a mixed competition, with male and female players competing on the same field for the same prize money, could have provided a unique opportunity to grow the sport.

She also questioned why more players had not spoken publicly about the decision.

Despite her criticism, Korda acknowledged that WTGL still represents a positive development for women's golf.

The disagreement centres on how best to maximise that opportunity.

Will McIlroy's approach pay off?

There are arguments on both sides.

A mixed competition could have created a groundbreaking spectacle, bringing some of golf's biggest names together in a format designed for entertainment.

However, a standalone women's league gives its players the chance to establish their own teams, rivalries and identities without being part of the men's competition.

McIlroy also believes the men's players can help WTGL attract attention by attending matches and supporting its launch.

Ultimately, the new league's success will provide the clearest indication of whether the decision was the right one.

If WTGL attracts viewers, showcases its stars and builds a strong following, McIlroy's argument for a dedicated women's platform will carry greater weight.

For now, the grand slam hampion is backing the decision, while Korda remains convinced TGL missed a chance to do something truly different.

With WTGL preparing to get underway, the debate is unlikely to disappear any time soon.