“My message is legitimate” – Rory McIlroy opens up about calling Cam Smith after losing The Open in Full Swing
Episode 8 of Netflix’s Full Swing stars Rory McIlroy. The episode, titled 'Everything has Led to This', shows the Irishman in all his glory. Being the spokesperson for the PGA Tour, the golfer speaks extensively about the sports’ legacy amid the indulgence of LIV Golf.
The episode shows McIlroy making a phone call to Cameron Smith just two days after losing The Open to him. The PGA Tour star called on the Aussie to speak strictly about business. The two had a conversation about the sport, which eventually led to Smith’s possible move to LIV Golf. The Irish golfer asks Smith to only make a decision after he is “completely informed.” In the episode, McIlroy went on to state that his “message” for other golfers was legitimate and to keep the golfing legacy alive.
Speaking on the show after his conversation with Cam Smith, Rory McIlroy said:
“I think the one thing that came out of it was that all the top players on this TOUR are in agreement and alignment of where we should go going forward.”
Later in the episode, McIlroy is thanked by a fan for speaking up against the emergence of the Saudi-backed series.
Recognizing his thankless journey, McIlroy said:
“My message is legitimate anyway, but I think by winning, it gives it a little more substance and the FedExCup, it’s a really good chance for me.”
It is pertinent to note that this happened at the Tour Championship when McIlroy is questioned about the rumored changes being introduced to the PGA Tour by Commissioner Jay Monahan. Later, the Irish golfer meets with Andy Pazder, the PGA Tour Chief Tournaments & Competitions Officer off the course in Atlanta and discusses some of the concerns players have about the designated events.
McIlroy said:
“No other athletes in the world get to choose when and where they play. We’ve all just gotten a little soft.”
Interestingly, Rory McIlroy went on to win the Tour Championship. He also bagged his third FedExCup, breaking his tie with Woods for the most wins in the event’s history.
And of course, the moment that nobody expected, the one that will be talked about, tweeted about and memed more than any other.
Rory with some thoughts on Phil (sound up is NSFW). https://t.co/RnHuEawhkD
Cameron Smith on getting a call from Rory McIlroy
Back in November, Cameron Smith revealed that he got a call from Rory McIlroy, who tried to persuade him to stay on the PGA Tour. According to the Aussie, the ace golfer 'definitely wanted him to stay’ in the American circuit.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald in an interview, Cameron Smith said:
“I’ve always had respect for Rory and I’ve liked what he says on the golf course… He said, ‘Congrats.' There were maybe a couple of little jabs in there. He was happy I played well and it was a good tournament. Then we talked about the PGA Tour and LIV.
"There was a bunch of stuff he wanted me to know before I made my decision. I wouldn’t say he tried to directly talk me out of it, but he definitely wanted me to stay.”
It goes without saying that the Rory McIlroy's attempt to dissuade Smith from defecting to the rebel side failed. The then-World No. 2 joined LIV a month later and seems to have settled in well.