News
Rory McIlroy ready to commit to European Tour after crisis talks with Keith Pelley
Last month, news emerged that Rory McIlroy was set to give up his European Tour card, but it now looks as if the Irishman has had a change of heart.
European Tour boss, Keith Pelley, is said to have flown to Belfast for crisis talks with the four-time major winner, and McIlroy is now ready to commit to an additional two European Tour events in 2019 to secure his card.
The 29-year-old had not been set to feature on the European Tour in 2019 until July, but there is now an excellent chance that McIlroy will compete in an event in the middle east in January, and it also opens up the possibility for him to feature at the Irish Open in July.
McIlroy had previously come under fire from some quarters, including Paul McGinley who is on the European Tour board, for what they felt was disloyalty to the European Tour. The four-time major champ’s remark that “Next year, I am looking out for me” did little to improve relations, but it appears as if McIlroy, as he has done in the past, has backed down from his original headstrong position.
In 2016, the 29-year-old was backed into a corner over who he would choose to represent at the Olympic Games. McIlroy eventually declared for Ireland, but later withdrew from the games, and then took a swipe at those who were disappointed with the move, claiming, “it’s not my responsibility to grow the game.”
It appears that this latest U-turn from McIlroy continues the trend of the 29-year-old opting to temper his original views or intentions in the face of pressure.
GolfWRXers, do you feel McIlroy should be more mindful in his pressers or do you find his honesty refreshing?
Let us know what you think!
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Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
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WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
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- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
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- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
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Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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BAR
Dec 19, 2018 at 4:15 pm
I feel like those “crisis talks” included some pretty sensational perks. The schedules changed dramatically for 2019 and he can make a fortune in the states, playing against a field he feels is more competitive. I don’t think he “owes” anything to the European Tour, but if he can slip in two more events to maintain his card, that sounds pretty reasonable. Euro Tour would lose a HUGE celebrity if he stopped playing, so it’s in their best interest to incentivize his participation, in whatever form that would take.
On the topic of “do you feel McIlroy should be more mindful in his pressers or do you find his honesty refreshing?” I feel like journalists in the audience need to call players out more. I know that could have significant professional repercussions, but when a golfer criticizes a course for being “unfair” – i.e. Ian “Pouter” or when Rors says he’s finally got his driver dialled in but it doesn’t matter because he’s going to have to replace it on Monday with “something new”, I feel like there needs to be some probing on that kind of stuff to call them out one their own smack talk. How could there not be any strong follow up questions to Rory stating he’s thinking of abandoning his home tour?
Point misser
Dec 19, 2018 at 3:02 pm
No one in the USA likes Rory
fukU
Dec 20, 2018 at 1:51 am
I think you are confusing Rory with Point misser, and the USA the universe.
JThunder
Dec 18, 2018 at 5:43 pm
“Crisis talks” – dictionary anyone?
Is the European Tour putting all their eggs in one basket, like the entire golf world did with Tiger? We learn nothing from the past.
David
Dec 19, 2018 at 10:23 am
Honesty is always a good thing, unfortunately for Rory his honesty displays his lack of humility and thankfulness for the riches the game of golf has given him. Whether he plays the PGA or Euro tour, doesn’t matter, he should always do what is best for his health and life balance. But if it is for life-balance, then it should be communicated as such, and not stated as if he were a teenage child “looking out for #1”. I personally think he’s a good guy, but definitely lacks that appreciate for all he’s been given by the game of golf.
Willem
Dec 20, 2018 at 12:46 am
World class sportsmen are given raw talent by their genes and hard work (whether it is recognised as such by casual onlookers or not) gives opportunities in the chosen sport. Then, any success comes through sheer mental strength. This is the same in all sports.
I fail to see why any sportsman should appreciate the money or lifestyle or give back to the game. It is their profession and other people (and the tours) make millions off of the players hard work and talent, employ thousands and their efforts entertain hundreds of millions.
I don’t feel I have to give back to my profession. Why should a golfer?
fukU
Dec 20, 2018 at 1:49 am
You mean when the entire golf world put all its eggs in the Tiger basket, and it lead to the largest increase in interest, and participation that the game had ever seen?