Golfer says ‘something had to give’ after resigning from PGA Tour’s Policy Board

Rory McIlroy’s surprising decision to step down from the PGA Tour’s Policy Board this week has garnered attention. He explained that “something had to give” and shared some insights into his pivotal role amid the arrival of the breakaway LIV circuit, following the competition’s recent completion of its second season.

McIlroy, a prominent figure in golf, took the lead in the PGA Tour’s response to the new breakaway circuit and contributed to the development of plans for lucrative tournaments aimed at retaining top stars and preventing their defection to the Saudi Arabia-funded LIV project, alongside Tiger Woods.

Following his first round at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, McIlroy opened up about the reasons behind his decision to step down, indicating that the thought had been brewing for some time. “Something had to give,” he told BBC Sport, as he juggles being a world-class golfer, a husband, a father, and managing a growing investment portfolio along with his involvement in TGL, the Tech-infused Golf League with Woods.

Subsequently, he felt he was playing a reduced role since the secret talks involving the PGA and DP World Tours with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the resulting shock announcement of a framework agreement between the parties in early June.

As the PGA Tour weighs up other potential investment deals while trying to conclude the Saudi deal, McIlroy also revealed differing views among the board members, citing different opinions and the need to compromise to achieve the best solution.

Having served on the tour’s Player Advisory Council between 2019 and 2021, followed by a tenure as chairman in the final year, McIlroy expressed his appreciation for the experience and the insights gained from working with smart people. He then contemplated the implications of his decision for the future.

McIlroy’s departure from the Policy Board comes during a delicate period, as he cited his inability to allocate time and energy while preparing for upcoming tournaments such as Augusta.

Meanwhile, speaking of his performance after a six-week hiatus since the Ryder Cup, McIlroy shared an adventurous par that left him four shots off the lead, emphasizing that it was “quite scrappy” on the back nine. Despite admitting the difficulties, McIlroy’s presence in the golfing world remains a significant one.