Ernie Els responds to “bullet proof” Rory McIlroy

Never say never. That’s Ernie Els’ advice to Rory McIlroy as it relates to one day playing on the Champions Tour.

McIlroy, 35, made headlines earlier this week when he dismissed the prospect of competing on the over-50s’ circuit.

“I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf,” declared the Irishman. “Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”

Those comments were seized upon by fellow four-time major champion Els.

The South African is now in his sixth season on the senior circuit where he has seven wins to his name, the most recent of those coming at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii in January.

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By no means a prolific user of social media, the ‘Big Easy’ was nonetheless compelled to jump onto X – formerly Twitter – to offer his tuppence on McIlroy’s bullish stance.

“Interesting to read Rory’s comments today,” wrote Els. “At 35 years old, I was also bullet proof saying things about not playing past 50. I’m 55 now and laughing at my comments from back then.

“Champions Tour golf is so fulfilling with a great bunch of players we all grew up together from junior golf. Our sponsors and partners are wonderful companies and people.

“Competition is a powerful tool!”

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McIlroy is far from alone in confidently declaring that over-50s golf is not for him.

Eight-time European No.1 Colin Montgomerie regularly dismissed that notion throughout his forties, only to change his mind when he became eligible. And, much to his surprise, he enjoyed it.

“I do love it,” he told the Scotsman in 2022. “I hate to use this term, but I have embraced it, and the American fans have embraced me. And it’s a big change.

“I didn’t really enjoy going to America during the 90s. It was difficult for me because I was No 2 in the world and a bit of a threat and it wasn’t really working out well. Now, I’m welcomed with open arms because I’m not the threat I used to possibly be.”

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content