Differences in opinion have caused Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s relationship to have “soured,” as it is on thin ice due to separate thoughts regarding the game of golf and its changing landscape.
According to a new report from Golf Digest, McIlroy’s ever-softening stance on LIV Golf and the PGA TOUR’s potential merger with its financier, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), has caused the Northern Irishman to have somewhat of a falling out with Woods, who believes the game should remain in its purest form.
McIlroy, at one time, was heavily against LIV Golf, going as far as to say he “hated” the PGA TOUR’s rival promotion.
However, his tone began to change as Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm defected to LIV last December. McIlroy went from distant to inclusive when speaking of those who have left the TOUR and what they should be able to play in, especially events like the Ryder Cup.
Woods does not agree. After McIlroy left the PGA TOUR’s Policy Board late last year, he attempted to rejoin the group recently. However, talks stalled.
Earlier today, we reported on the development and quoted both Kevin Streelman and James Hahn, who both said they disagreed with McIlroy returning to the Policy Board.
Now, developments have come out that both Woods and Jordan Spieth also disagreed with McIlroy’s return, which may have caused some further turmoil.
However, it is unconfirmed if McIlroy and Woods are having conflict over this event in particular. McIlroy said that he understood the point of view of the Policy Board not wanting him to return, at least not immediately.
It appears the differences in how the game of golf should be unified are what are at the source of Woods and McIlroy’s “falling out of sorts.”
