Rory McIlroy gives reasons for leaving PGA Tour board

Rory McIlroy has detailed the reasons behind his shock withdrawal from the PGA Tour Policy Board.

The Northern Irishman had acted as a de facto spokesperson for the circuit but resigned from his boardroom position on Tuesday.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, he said: “I’ve got a lot going on in my life between my golf game, my family, my growing investment portfolio and my involvement in TGL.

“I just felt like something had to give and I didn’t feel like I could commit the time and energy into doing that.

“I don’t mind being busy, but I like being busy doing my own stuff.

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“Something had to give and there are guys on the board spending a lot more time and energy than I am, so it’s in good hands, and I felt like it was the right time to step off.”

Amid negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, players were notified of McIlroy’s withdrawal by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.

A memo read: “Rory’s resignation letter, which he sent to the full board, clearly stated that the difficult decision was made due to professional and personal commitments.

“Rory’s insight has been instrumental in helping shape the success of the tour, and his willingness to thoughtfully voice his opinions has been especially impactful.”

The former world number one has been reticent on the future of the American circuit in recent months.

McIlroy even described himself as a ‘sacrificial lamb’ when the Framework Agreement was reached in June.

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He served on the Player Advisory Council (PAC) between 2019 and 2021 before taking on a player director role for two years.

Asked whether he had enjoyed his time in the position, McIlroy added: “Not particularly, no.

“Not what I signed for whenever I went on the board. But yeah, the game of professional golf has been in flux for the last two years.”

Fellow major champion Jon Rahm has declared he wants no part of the void in which McIlroy has left.

When questioned about the vacancy, the Spaniard said: “Oh, you won’t see me there. Absolutely no chance.

“I’ve been asked a couple times if I have any interest, and I’m not going to spend, I don’t know how many meetings they have, but they are six, seven, hour-plus long. I’m not here for that.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.