Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA TOUR policy board amid the golfing circuit’s efforts to conclude negotiations on its future funding.
The four-time major winner and world no. 2 had served on the PGA TOUR’s Player Advisory Council for five years, held the position of PAC chairman for one year, and was a board member for two years.
The decision was disclosed in a memo sent to all the players on the PGA TOUR by commissioner Jay Monahan.
A statement by Monahan and board chairman Ed Herlihy 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.
“During his tenure, 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.
“Given the extraordinary time and effort that Rory – and all of his fellow player directors – have invested in the tour during this unprecedented, transformational period in our history, we certainly understand and respect his decision to step down in order to focus on his game and his family.”
The Northern Irishman spoke to the media on Tuesday ahead of the final event of the DP World Tour season, the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, but was reluctant to reveal anything about future of the PGA TOUR and his thoughts on the ongoing negotiations the PGA TOUR were involved in.
“No one on the outside has any details,” McIlroy said. “Loose lips sink ships, so we are trying to keep it tight and within walls. I’m sure when there’s news to tell, it will be told.”
When asked if he was enjoying being in the center of important discussions, McIlroy replied: “Not particularly, no,”
“Not what I signed for when I went on the board. But the game of professional golf has been in flux for the last two years.”
The Framework Agreement involving the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which initially caught players by surprise upon its June announcement, was initially set to be concluded by the year’s end.
McIlroy has been a staunch defender of the PGA TOUR over the past year and has strongly voiced criticism against the competing LIV Golf league, financed by the PIF, which has successfully lured several prominent golfers with lucrative fees.
Reigning Masters Champion Jon Rahm ruled himself out of the race to become McIlroy’s successor.
“You won’t see me there,” he said. “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.
“As regards to Rory, he’s obviously been put in a situation where a lot has been expected of him, and I don’t know the exact reason why he left the board.
“But I certainly wouldn’t blame somebody like him to just want to focus a bit more on his game and his family and enjoy the bit of time he’s truly earned. Again, it’s a big commitment for somebody to be part of it.”
The remaining five player-directors within the 12-member board have chosen Jordan Spieth to replace McIlroy.