"I would retire": Rory McIlroy once claimed he would quit if LIV Golf was last place to play
Last week, Rory McIlroy was spotted chatting candidly with LIV Golf's chief Yasir Al Rumayyan. The conversation hinted that the dynamics were improving between the two. However, it wasn't the case a year ago, as the Northern Irishman had said that he would prefer to retire rather than play on LIV.
In June last year, the PGA Tour and PIF joined forces to form a new unified entity, PGA Tour Enterprises. This move shocked many, including members of both circuits. Even McIlroy, who had been the face of the Tour's fight against LIV, had no idea about the deal.
A month later, McIlroy was at the Genesis Scottish Open, where he was asked if he would play on the LIV Golf circuit.
"If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth, I would retire. That’s how I feel about it," he said as per the Guardian.
A lot has happened since McIlroy made this comment. He first resigned from the PGA Tour Policy Board as a Player Director. However, earlier this year, he rejoined the Substantive Committee, a seven-person group formed to negotiate with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The committee also includes Tiger Woods and Adam Scott.
"I think it’s great" - Sergio Garcia praises Rory McIlroy's changed stance on LIV Golf
Sergio Garcia praised Rory McIlroy's change of heart towards the LIV Golf.
"I think it’s great," he said as per Irish Golfer Magazine. "I think at the end of the day it shows we’re all very emotional and we try to defend our positions and stuff like that, but at the end of the day it shows we all want to go in the same direction and make golf better. That’s the most important thing."
"Rory has seen that, he realises that trying to fight each other is not going to help anyone, and it’s definitely not going to help the game," he added.
Rory McIlroy was last seen competing at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, where he was paired with Al Rumayyan during the second round. As for Garcia, he resigned from the DP World Tour's membership and thus couldn't compete outside of LIV Golf.
The 44-year-old Spaniard had an impressive season on the Saudi-backed circuit, winning at Valderrama and finishing third in the season standings.