Rory McIlroy has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf since its inception. In December, Jon Rahm announced his move on and became the last star to leave the PGA Tour for the lucrative LIV circuit. After his defection, it seems McIlroy has a firm stance against the lucrative league and its players.
The 24-time PGA Tour winner has admitted he was “too judgmental” toward those who jumped to the Norman-led circuit. Now, as the negotiations are ongoing to reach a merger between the rival parties, McIlroy has taken a tentative step towards rapprochement and once again supported his compatriot, Jon Rahm.
Rory McIlroy applauded Jon Rahm’s strategic LIV Golf move
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McIlroy, who has always ripped apart LIV Golf, recently had a change of heart. He referred to Rahm’s departure as a “smart business move” and said that he had no problem with him going if that was what he wanted. After his comments about rewriting the Ryder Cup rules, he once again talked in favor of playing in the Ryder Cup.
The post was shared by NUCLR GOLF on Twitter, and it gave insights into the Irish golfer’s thoughts. He said, “There’s not one person that wouldn’t want him on our Ryder Cup team because of how good he is, so he was in a great position where there wasn’t a ton of risk involved for him to go.”
The seasoned golfer believes Rahm is in a “lucky position,” as the current rules require players to be members of the DP World Tour. The Spinarad has not resigned from the DP World Tour after joining LIV Golf like other LIV Golfers.
🚨🧠👀 #NEW: Rory McIlroy is applauding Jon Rahm’s move to LIV: “I thought it was a smart business move from Jon – it’s opportunistic. I think he sees that things will come back together and he’s in a lucky position. There’s not one person that wouldn’t want him on our Ryder Cup… pic.twitter.com/qpkcOUiHqh
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) January 3, 2024
The post garnered a lot of attention on social media, and to say that it lit a fire amongst the fans is an understatement. The 4x Major winner’s remarks have sparked a lot of debate in the golf community.
Golf fans got confused by McIlroy’s remarks
McIlroy’s comment confused the golf fans as they questioned his motivation and intеgrity. Hеrе arе somе of thе rеactions:
One user believes McIlroy might be prеparing to join LIV Golf himsеlf or that hе was awarе of somе impеnding changеs in thе golf landscapе that would makе the league morе accеptablе. Especially, after his revelation that he might be the man behind the PIF and Tour’s merger.
Sooo…is he softening his stance because he knows what is coming or is it because he's ready to make a move as well.
— Todd (@pilprin) January 3, 2024
One user seemed quite angry and didn’t support his view on Rahm’s defection. They even called the 4x major champion a ” biggest clown.”
Biggest clown and most overrated golfer ever
— Connor Dickie (@Connor_Dickie10) January 3, 2024
One user rеmindеd othеrs of his past criticism of LIV Golf, whеn hе said hе would not join thе tour and that hе valuеd his lеgacy more than monеy.
Did Rory say “I hate LIV!!” like he did every time he talked the last two years?
— Silent Cal (@silent_cal30) January 3, 2024
McIlroy and other top players who stayed on the PGA Tour had a competitive advantage over those who joined LIV Golf. They would face stronger bodies and more challenging courses. The user implied that LIV Golf was a lower-quality tour.
Rory and Cantley and the others have a much better chance to win on the PGA tour.
— Beau Strickland (@MrBeauDiddles) January 3, 2024
Pointing towards the apparent hypocrisy that McIlroy’s comments had, one fan was quick to bring Phil Mickelson into the equation.
But Phil mickelson was a nazi for going to liv right?
— Flossmote (@flossmote) January 3, 2024
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Fans are accusing him of his softened stance as the Irishman has spent the last 2 years harshly criticizing and expressing his dissatisfaction with the LIV Golf and its players and now he has taken a U-turn.
Spent the last 2 years calling the rest of them every name under the sun and saying he detests everything about LIV. Interesting
— Mikey (@mackbain_) January 3, 2024
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Do you think Rory McIlroy is cooking something? Do let us know in the comments below!
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