Tournament boss calls for Rory McIlroy to prevent player “ruining” PGA Tour

After resigning just six months ago, Rory McIlroy is set to be welcomed back onto the PGA Tour’s policy board.

The Northern Irishman packed up his top table duties in November, citing professional and personal commitments as “something had to give.”

But after being replaced by Jordan Spieth, McIlroy will find himself back in the boardroom, should he replace and serve the remainder of Webb Simpson’s tenure.

Simpson, a beneficiary of several sponsor’s exemptions this season, laid out that he would only resign on the basis that he could name McIlroy as his successor.

PGA Tour winner James Hahn, a former player director, questioned the morality of it, arguing: “That’s just not how democracy works.”

“It goes against all the principles of what make a Tour-run organization,” he said.

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“Imagine if instead of Rory, Webb said he wanted Nate Lashley, who has been vocal against some of the Tour policy decisions or named me to replace him.

“There would be an absolute uproar. People would be saying, ‘You can’t do that.’”

However, McIlroy re-joining the board is appealing to those interested in seeing the PGA Tour get into bed with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

And in a Golfweek report, one unnamed tournament director admitted the four-time major champ is a key asset in getting the deal over the line.

More so, McIlroy would prevent rival Patrick Cantlay from “ruining” the PGA Tour.

“We need Rory back on the board,” the director said.

“Had he stayed on he could’ve neutered Cantlay. He’s the only one with the power to neuter Cantlay. We need Rory to try to keep Cantlay from ruining the Tour.

“Webb is too nice. A lot of people at the Tour at a very high level are thrilled that Rory is going back on the board for that reason.”

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McIlroy, once the PGA Tour’s de facto spokesperson in the fight against LIV Golf, has changed his tune in recent months, now opposing Cantlay’s views.

Previously, McIlroy told Paul Kimmage of the Irish Independent: “We [McIlroy and Cantlay] don’t have a ton in common and see the world quite differently.”

Now, though, McIlroy’s return is hoped to save the day in joining with the Saudis, says the tournament boss.

“Rory wants the Irish Open and other international events to be promoted and smaller fields and larger purses. There’s a lot we don’t like about Rory and his deal.

“But the main thing is Cantlay, and we’ve got to get a deal done with the PIF. LIV’s got to go away. If we don’t get a deal done, we’re all screwed in the end. We all know it. (Cantlay) is against it. Rory is for it.

“So, let’s get a deal done and get these (guys) put to bed. Do any of us want to work with the Saudis, no? But, on the other hand, none of us want to fight against them and their money for the rest of our careers, either.”

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.