It was November 2023. The golf world found itself in a surprising position after Rory McIlroy dramatically resigned from the PGA Tour’s Policy Board. What’s more, he had cited professional and personal commitments as the reason behind his stepping down from the same. However, as of April 2024, it appears rumors have arisen about the Northern Irishman’s possible return to the board to join hands with the likes of Tiger Woods.
A report was made public by The Guardian just hours ago, mentioning how the 34-year-old may end up coming back as both a director on the PGA Tour’s Policy Board and the PGA TOUR Enterprises. Meanwhile, sources indicate how he was put back into consideration after Webb Simpson put up his resignation, all the while reportedly requesting that McIlroy take his place!
It has been just five months since his resignation from the PGA Tour Policy Board. But, interestingly, as per reports, a vote will take place on Wednesday among board members including Woods, Jordan Spieth, Peter Malnati, Patrick Cantlay, and Adam Scott to reinstate him back on the policy board as well as the for-profit entity.
The 4-time major champ had stepped down from his position back in 2023, all the while mentioning how he had a lot on his plate. Responding to a query regarding the same, he said, “I just think I’ve got a lot going on in my life between my golf game, my family and my growing investment portfolio, my involvement in TGL, and I just felt like something had to give. I just didn’t feel like I could commit the time and the energy into doing that.”
Meanwhile, there were a lot of rumors recently regarding McIlroy’s possible defection to LIV Golf. However, he thwarted all of it away when the 2011 U.S. Open champ reassured his presence on the men’s circuit: “I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career… For me, my future is here on the PGA Tour, and it’s never been any different.”
What’s more, now, months after his resignation, the state of golf seems to remain in a precarious state. This is especially the case since the PIF-PGA Tour framework agreement went ahead to experience nothing short of a delay following the Bahamas meeting. To top it off, if the sources do turn out to be accurate, Rory McIlroy’s return, coupled with his ardent declaration to remain on the Tour will undoubtedly prove to be a boost to the Jay Monahan-led circuit and its sponsors despite recent merger setbacks.
The Tiger Woods-led Player Directors had recently met with the Governor of the Public Investment Fund at the Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas after the PLAYERS Championship. However, Peter Malnati, who also attended the same, hinted at how the merger will experience a delay following the meet-up: “I do think it’s a while until we get there… I didn’t walk away with a much clearer understanding of what the future holds.”
Moreover, adding on in an interview ahead of the Valspar Championship, he said, “There’s a lot of work to do to … seeing the same vision for the future of professional golf. There is space between his[Al-Rumayyan’s] and ours.”
Aside from Malnati, even Webb Simpson, who reportedly expressed his desire to welcome Rory McIlroy back into the board in his place, was of the same opinion. Divulging on the meeting details, he said, “We didn’t get as far as what he wants and what does LIV want.” Anyhow, with the current situation of golf, as it is, a possible comeback for the Northern Irishman does indicate a good development, especially since his softened stance regarding the LIV Golf Pros.
