Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas Invite Scrutiny After Abandoning Rory McIlroy to Fight Lonely War

Rory McIlroy has become a scapegoat in the long drama that is the PIF-PGA Tour merger. The player, who was once a non-supporter of the Saudi league and a strong ally to the PGA Tour has now somehow softened his stance. Accepting his fault for being “too judgemental” McIlroy’s present call for a quick and effective merger to solve a split in the men’s game is now getting stern. Surprisingly, no other pro from the American Tour has come forward to display their support to the Northern Irishman, and this is now getting scrutinized by PGA Tour’s friendly enemy, Brandon Chamblee.

Ever critical of the breakaway league, Chamblee is now critical of the lack of support for McIlroy from PGA Tour players. “I felt like Rory didn’t get the support that he needed. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that players were selfish. But I felt like Rory was out there and…he didn’t get the support from any of the players,” mentioned the 61-year-old in a talk with Golfweek.

Chamblee’s remarked, “I didn’t hear Jordan Spieth being vocal in support of him. I didn’t hear Justin Thomas. I didn’t hear Scottie Schefflerr. I didn’t hear Xander Schauffele. I didn’t hear any of them as forcefully as Rory was speaking out on the issue.” The analyst highlighted that none of the pros have come forward to openly talk about how they feel about the merger, that has now been extremely delayed.

As per Chamblee, the 4x major champion got tired of fighting the war alone, and outgrew the benefit that he had in mind for the American Tour. For his somewhat softened blow, the Irish golfer garnered a lot of attention, and was called out a lot. “I haven’t talked to Rory, but I think after a while, it was listen, I’ve done everything I can do and I’m not getting any support, so I’m going to bow out. Why is it up to me to fight this whole battle myself?” said Chamblee.

The former golfer’s statement emphasized how isolated McIlroy has been in his attempts to defend the PGA Tour’s interests under the growing influence of LIV Golf. McIlroy’s initial distaste for the PIF-backed league has always been evident. His earlier vocal criticisms of Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed initiative and his efforts to protect the traditions and integrity of the PGA Tour have been well documented. Yet, despite his fervor and dedication, McIlroy’s battle has increasingly felt like a solitary endeavor.

Rory McIlroy is fighting alone for golf’s betterment

In his stance to get all the players back together, the 34-year-old seems to be a loner. He mentioned, “We’re probably still quite a long way from it, but I would hope that in the future we can get there, unify the game, and get the best players back together again.” McIlroy believes that getting a chance just four times a year to compete with “some of the best players in the world that are playing some really good golf” is unfair. This might be a better thing for the game, but as it turns out, McIlroy is the only one to have this opinion.

Read more: LIV Golf Needs Merger to Happen Badly Than PGA Tour; Here’s Why

The players who have been scrutinized for not supporting McIlroy share different opinions. “It wouldn’t be a very popular decision, I think,” said Scottie Scheffler, before adding, “if they just came back like nothing ever happened.” Thomas, however, was harsher with his words, saying that there are only a few players on the other side who have the potential to bring positive change in the golf realm. Finally, he said, “They should just be able to come back that easily.”

Spieth’s and McIlroy’s opinions clashed while discussing the $3B investment from SSG and PIF. As per Spieth, the merger doesn’t need to come through since the Tour has gotten funding from SSG.

Which side of the spectrum are you on? LIV golfers on the PGA Tour or not? Tell us in the comments below.

Read more: LIV Golf Rumors: $3B PIF Merger Turns Sour Over PGA Tour’s Betrayal