Rory McIlroy remains committed to PGA Tour but understands decision of players joining LIV Golf Series | Golf News

“I think my stance on it has been pretty clear from the start. It’s not something that I want to participate in,” said Rory McIlroy who will be playing in this week’s RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour, which is live on Sky Sports Golf from 11.45am via the red button on Thursday

Rory McIlroy has reaffirmed his commitment to the PGA Tour ahead of the start of the LIV Golf Series on Thursday.

The Northern Irishman was speaking after Bryson DeChambeau confirmed he will play in the second event of the Saudi-backed series, which starts in Portland later this month.

Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler are also reportedly set to join the likes of Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood who are playing in the inaugural tournament at the Centurion Club.

McIlroy respects their decision but will continue to play on the PGA Tour and has no intention of joining the LIV Golf Series.

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McIlroy says he was surprised by a couple of names who have signed up for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series

“I think my stance on it has been pretty clear from the start. It’s not something that I want to participate in,” said McIlroy at his press conference ahead of this week’s Canadian Open, where he is the ‘defending champion’ after winning the last staging of the tournament back in 2019.

“I certainly understand the guys that went and understand what their goals and their ambitions are in their life, and I’m certainly not knocking anyone for going.

“It is their life. It is their decision. They can live it the way they want to, but, for me, I want to play on the PGA Tour against the best players in the world.

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Bryson DeChambeau will be playing the second LIV Golf Series event in the USA at the end of June

“I was speaking to a few people yesterday and one of the comments was any decision that you make in your life that is purely for money usually doesn’t end up going the right way.

“Obviously, money is a deciding factor in a lot of things in this world but if it is purely for money, it never seems to go the way you want it to, and I’ve had that before a couple of times before in my life.

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Graeme McDowell says the LIV Tour is not designed to divide, hopes ‘we can all get on together’ and that inclusion will not affect Ryder Cup participation

“There are other things that are a part of it too, but it is a weird time in professional golf. I said it a couple of weeks ago, we are just going to have to see how this season plays out, and if any other guys do decide to go another direction than the established tours, see what the consequences are.

“For me right now, I can only speak personally. It is not something I envisage ever doing and I’m happy playing on the PGA Tour. I have a nice schedule, but I can pick for myself. I can spend a lot of time at home with my family if I want to, prioritise the majors and there is nothing about my schedule or my life or my earnings or anything that I would change.”

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