Possible Selfish Reasons Jay Monahan Needs Rory McIlroy Back on the PGA Tour Policy Board

After he resigned from the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council, Rory McIlroy made it clear why he left. The Northern Irishman wanted to focus more on his professional and personal life, so he said, “Something had to give.” However, in recent days, rumors have flared up that McIlroy might soon join the PAC again.

The Guardian reported that the four-time major champion may return to the PGA Tour’s Policy Board and PGA TOUR Enterprise as a director. The news came to light after Webb Simpson’s resignation. Though the speculations have not been confirmed, certain reasons may push Jay Monahan to have the 24-time PGA Tour winner back on his team.

Three reasons why Jay Monahan would want Rory McIlroy back on the board

Rory McIlroy’s loyalty to the PGA Tour is a known tale. Despite leaving the PGA Tour Board membership, he has stayed true to the Tour. Putting it simply, the Northern Irishman even denied the rumors of joining LIV Golf and said that he would continue to play on the American Tour. The golfer showed the utmost support to grow the game. With his stronger stance and persona, why wouldn’t Jay Monahan want McIlroy to be back?

1. Rory McIlroy may help in forming a World League: After leaving the PGA Tour board, Rory McIlroy understood the state of golf way better. He had a change of heart for LIV Golf and proposed an idea for a global league. Moreover, unlike Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth, who did not believe that the PGA Tour needed the PIF investment, McIlroy wished it would be better if it did.

So, if the four-time major winner gets back to his director role on the PGA Tour, he might propose a new idea for the global tour. Unlike an investment deal with PIF, the PGA Tour can utilize the global reach of LIV Golf and follow through on the global league. This may benefit the Tour by bringing back more viewership that has gone down in recent days. 

2. The PIF-PGA Tour merger may be finalized sooner: The PIF-PGA Tour merger has been delayed with no finalization in sight. However, McIlroy’s reinstatement at the PGA Tour board may fasten that deal. How? Because the Northern Irishman’s words and stance on things hold power in the golf world.

Moreover, McIlroy had shown respect to Yasir Al-Rummayan and his dream of golf. For the PIF chairman, McIlroy has stated, “Fundamentally, he wants to do the right thing.” So, having the Northern Irishman back on the PAC board will give the Monahan-led Tour an upper hand in finalizing the merger faster and on their demand.

3. McIlroy’s undying support for Jay Monahan: The 24-time PGA Tour winner has resigned from the PGA Tour Board; however, his support for Jay Monahan has never died down. Unlike Xander Schauffele and Viktor Hovland, who have called out the PGA Tour’s leadership, McIlroy has always made good remarks.

Taking about his relationship with Monahan, McIlroy expressed that he was closer to the PGA Tour chairman than any other player. Meanwhile, he also countered Schauffele’s bashful statement on Monahan, saying, “People can nitpick and they can say, ‘You didn’t do this right and you didn’t do that right’ but if you actually step back and look at the bigger picture, I think the PGA Tour is in a far stronger position now than it was before Jay took over.” 

All in all, Rory McIlroy has always had Monahan’s back, and having him back on his team will do more good for him and the PGA Tour’s future. The board has scheduled to vote for the new PAC directors on Wednesday; it remains to be seen if McIlroy will be reinstated.