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Highlights Tours

Rory McIlroy On LIV-Deal: “Half the Players Don’t Want the Deal”

A key topic at Rory McIlroy’s press conference ahead of the BMW PGA Championship 2024 was the potential deal between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. The 35-year-old spoke about the central role of the Ministry of Justice and the divided opinions of players on both tours. Popular PGA Tour pro Michael S. Kim, among others, commented on the topic on X (Twitter).

Rory McIlroy: “Would Benefit Some People For A Deal Not To Get Done”

Q. What do you think is the major stumbling block or blocks holding up any chance of a deal between LIV and PGA TOUR and the DP World Tour?

RORY McILROY: Department of Justice. Maybe different interests from the players’ side. I’d say — it’s pretty similar. I’d say maybe half the players on LIV want the deal to get done; half probably don’t. I’d say it’s probably similar on the PGA TOUR. Because just like anything, everyone’s looking out for themselves and their best interests. You know, it would benefit some people for a deal not to get done, but it would obviously benefit some people for a deal to get done.

Yeah, I think there’s different opinions amongst the players about what should happen, and I think when you have a members’ run organisation, it complicates things a little bit, especially when should of those players are having to make decisions on the business side of things. So those are the two. I think the tours want it to happen. The investors certainly want it to happen because they can see the benefit for themselves.

But right now, it’s DOJ and differing opinions of the players.

Q. You know much more about LIV and things but we heard in the last few days that the last meeting that was last week, or just before that, but there was a more optimistic or it there is a more optimistic mood about that as a result of that meeting. As I say, you know much more about this than we do. Is that your feeling, too?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, I believe so. I wasn’t a part of those meetings, so I don’t — I may be know a touch more than you do but not a ton.

But yeah, as I said, I think one of the stumbling blocks is the Department of Justice, and I think — I think trying to approach that from a collaborative standpoint, I think seems to be the best way forward.

So yeah, I think to me it seems like the people that are really making the decisions are all rowing in the same direction, which is a really good thing. And even if they are all rowing in the same direction, it still doesn’t mean that a deal may get done because it’s just a very complicated set of circumstances.

But yeah, from what I hear, there’s optimism there, and that’s good to see.

Q. As you said, it’s a very complex scenario at the moment for the game in general. I just wonder what your feelings are with regard to the DP World Tour, the reports this week of potentially a deal being done that could have some kind of relationship with the PIF or with LIV, would that be in any way desirable in your opinion to in some way find a pathway out of this?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, you know, if things don’t materialise with the PGA TOUR, I think it would — you know, it would — I think it would maybe bring The European Tour back to like the ’80s and ’90s when there was like really two strong tours.

But it keeps the game divided and I don’t like that. You know, I really want the game to come back together. It would be Plan B. It would be maybe an alternative to the best solution.

And look, selfishly as a European, it would be wonderful to get that investment and to use that money in the right way for this tour. But it still keeps the game divided, which I just can’t quite get on board with, and I’d love to see everything and everyone come back together.

Michael S. Kim: “Do I want a deal? My short answer is No but I don’t care much”

On X (Twitter), PGA Tour pro Michael S. Kim was among those reacting to Rory McIlroy’s press conference. Kim, who is hardly known on the PGA Tour, now has almost 126,000 followers on X. The reason for this comparatively high number is his entertaining posts on the platform and his insights into life as a professional golfer. He wrote about McIlroy’s press conference: “Do I want a deal? My short answer is No but I don’t care much.” The 31-year-old explained that, in his opinion, a deal would only affect the top 30 golfers in the world anyway and would not have a major impact on the other players on the tours. He also doubted that the return of some LIV players to tournaments on the PGA Tour would have little impact on spectator numbers and therefore the financial aspect. A more sensible focus would be to improve the TV broadcasts.

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European Tour

Rory McIlroy About Ryder Cup Captaincy: “Some I Wouldn’t Be Okay With”

The BMW PGA Championship 2024 is a season highlight on the DP World Tour. After his narrow defeat last week in Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy is playing another of his “favorite tournaments of the year” this week. Ahead of the event, McIlroy answered questions from the press at Wentworth Golf Club and spoke about Jon Rahm’s participation in the Ryder Cup 2025, as well as his requirements for a European captain.

Rory McIlroy: “Jon Rahm Is A Wonderful Addition to the European Team”

MATTHEW JOULE: World No. 3, Rory McIlroy.

Rory, Royal County Down last week, BMW PGA Championship this week. How nice to be on the DP World Tour this time of year where the big events just keep oncoming?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, it’s amazing. Yeah, I mean, in all honesty, I was really excited to get back and play — obviously play last week. Play this week and the Dunhill in a couple of weeks’ time as well. You know, three of my favourite events of the year.

Yeah, here at Wentworth, the sun is shining and so many people out there on a Wednesday. There’s not many better places to be. So excited to be here. Looking forward to getting back on the horse after what happened last Sunday and giving it another go.

Q. May I ask the same question that I asked Justin yesterday, and that is, can you conceive of a Ryder Cup Team without Jon Rahm?

RORY McILROY: Yeah. He could be injured; his game could go off.

But Jon Rahm, the way he’s playing right now and the way he’s played since he turned pro in 2016 or ’17 or whatever it is, Jon Rahm is a wonderful addition to the European Team.

Q. I meant ruled out because of an inability to follow the rules. That’s what I meant.

RORY McILROY: Well, from my understanding, he is following the rules. He appealed the decision or whatever it is that he did. So that makes him eligible, as long as he plays his minimum number of events, like Members of the Tour have to do to be eligible for the Ryder Cup.

So I wouldn’t expect someone that as a Member of the Tour, you know what the rules are to be able to play a Ryder Cup and be eligible, and as long as you meet that criteria, then you’re okay to play.

McIlroy Sets Clear Requirements For A Ryder Cup Captaincy

Q. Back on the Ryder Cup theme again just for a second if you don’t mind. You may or may not have seen quotes related to Ian Poulter over the last couple of days saying that he still harbors hopes of being a European captain at some point. Is it plausible, or given everything is there too much water gone under that bridge, do you think?

RORY McILROY: I think it’s hard because we don’t really see them anymore, especially — I’m not sure if Poults gave up his European Tour Membership. You know, you need someone around that’s comfortable. You look at what Luke has done the last few years, he’s really made an effort to come over. He played in Czech Republic. He was in Switzerland.

He’s making an effort to be around the players and be — make the players feel comfortable with him, the up-and-comers that haven’t had a chance yet to be on a team or trying to make a team.

With the guys that left, Poulter, Westwood, we don’t — how can these young up and comers, you know, build a rapport with them when they are never here? You can’t see them. I think that’s a really important part of a Ryder Cup and a Ryder Cup captaincy.

I’m not saying that Poulter doesn’t have the credentials to be a Ryder Cup Captain, but I just think with the current state of where everything is, you need someone that’s around and showing their face as much as they can. Right now, that honestly just can’t be them because they are elsewhere.

NB: Under current DP World Tour regulations, any Member who fails to comply with the minimum Counting Tournament Regulation in any one Official Season or who does not take up Ranked Membership in an Official Season in which he is so eligible (ie: falls out of Membership) will be ineligible thereafter to be selected as the European Ryder Cup Captain or Vice Captain.

Q. On a personal level, would you have any objections to being captained by Ian Poulter or Lee Westwood or whoever else could potentially be?

RORY McILROY: It’s such a gray area. There’s some that I would be okay with and others I wouldn’t be okay with. Sorry to put them all in the same bucket.

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Panorama

Full Swing: Netflix Confirms Third Season for 2025

The successful golf documentary “Full Swing” will return to Netflix in 2025 for its third season. After two gripping seasons offering insights behind the scenes of professional golf, fans can once again look forward to dramatic twists and thrilling moments in the upcoming season.

What the third season of “Full Swing” might bring 

Although the themes of the new season have not yet been officially confirmed, speculation is already rife about which major storylines from the 2024 season might make their way into the series. Among the potential highlights are Bryson DeChambeau’s triumphant victory over Rory McIlroy at the U.S. Open and Rickie Fowler’s remarkable comeback. Xander Schauffele, who clinched two major championships in 2024, is also expected to play a central role.

The series will likely cover stories beyond the tournaments as well—such as the much-discussed arrest of Scottie Scheffler during the PGA Championship or Nick Dunlap’s sensational victory as an amateur. Netflix’s camera crews are known for delving deeply into the private lives of golfers, so viewers can expect to see both the personal highs and lows of the sport’s biggest stars.

Looking back: The dramas of the first two seasons 

Since its debut in February 2023, “Full Swing” has offered viewers exclusive glimpses into the lives of the biggest names in golf. The first season followed stars like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka through a year marked by the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The cameras captured the drama as well-known players such as Ian Poulter and Brooks Koepka made the controversial switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Tour, while others, like McIlroy, stood firm in defending the traditional PGA Tour.

The second season, which premiered in March 2024, focused heavily on the historic merger between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the uncertainties that this alliance brought with it. The 2023 Ryder Cup, held in Rome, was also documented closely as the world’s top players vied for a spot on their respective teams.

Netflix hits the mark with “Full Swing”

 Since the launch of “Full Swing” in 2023, the series has not only captivated golf fans but has also boosted the PGA Tour’s viewership. According to a Nielsen Media Research analysis, interest in golf spiked significantly after the release of the first season. Notably, newcomers who had previously never followed golf broadcasts began tuning in to live tournaments after watching the series.

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Panorama

Rory McIlroy to Shorten Tournament Schedule: “It’s Been a Long Season”

Rory McIlroy has announced plans to significantly reduce his tournament schedule beginning in 2025. The Northern Irish golf star revealed that he intends to participate in only 18 to 20 tournaments per year. McIlroy shared this decision following the conclusion of the Tour Championship in Atlanta, where he finished in ninth place.

He described this season as particularly challenging, especially after hitting a “wall” following the U.S. Open and still feeling the lingering effects of that intense stretch. “It’s been a long season, and I’m going to just have to think about trying to build in a few extra breaks here and there next year and going forward because I felt like I hit a bit of a wall sort of post-U.S. Open, and still feel a little bit of that hangover,” McIlroy explained in a post-tournament interview in Atlanta.

Rory McIlroy to Adjust 2025 Season Planning

The golf professional, who has regularly competed in over 20 tournaments per season in recent years, emphasized that the current season has pushed him to his limits. In the past, the PGA Tour star would typically participate in about 22 events a year, but this number is no longer sustainable given his current life circumstances. I’m usually sort of like a 22 sort of person. But again, that was when I was sort of in my 20s and didn’t have the responsibilities that I do now,” McIlroy said. As a result, he plans to limit his tournament participation to 18 to 20 events in the coming years.

This decision follows an especially dense tournament schedule. Over the past eight weeks, McIlroy has competed in six major events, including the Olympic Games in Paris and the British Open. This intense period, combined with his appearances in all three FedEx Cup Playoffs, has left him physically and mentally exhausted, according to McIlroy.

Future Outlook and Upcoming Tournaments

Although Rory McIlroy intends to reduce his tournament calendar in the future, he still faces several important tasks this season. He will compete in the Irish Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship before concluding the DP World Tour season with two final events in Dubai in November. McIlroy currently leads the Race to Dubai standings on the DP World Tour and will aim to finish the season strong before implementing his planned reduction in tournament appearances.

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Panorama

What the Golf Stars Are Doing Off the Course at the Olympics 2024

Early childhood moulding: Bennett Scheffler is less than three months old and already a cosmopolitan. Because dad Scottie and mum Meredith have been taking their little boy, who was born on 8 May, with them almost everywhere ever since. Even to the Olympic Games 2024. Baby Bennett has been to the Louvre and made the Mona Lisa smile a little more, strolled along the banks of the Seine with his parents, watched the Olympic table tennis tournament and witnessed the Olympic comeback of exceptional gymnast Simone Biles. In short: an American in Paris.

 
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“It felt like we only saw a tenth of the museum. We were there for two hours, but I could have spent days looking at all the old paintings and reading the descriptions. I can get very interested in this kind of thing: The talent of the artists is absolutely stunning – and just great that their work has made it through time and survived.”

Scottie Scheffler about the visit to the Louvre
 
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Golf Olympics 2024: Olympians off the Course

Speaking of which, a lot of the golfing Olympians used the free time between the play-in rounds for excursions and visits to other sporting venues. Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy, for example, watched Rafael Nadal’s doubles appearance with Carlos Alcaraz, presumably the last appearance of the Spanish tennis hero and 14-time French Open winner at Stade Roland Garros; and in view of the snapshot from the stands, we can only hope that the expression on McIlroy’s wife Erica’s face is merely due to the snapshot. Hey guys, you’re in the city of love.

 
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Panorama

First Statement on the US Open: Rory McIlroy Left his “Own Little World”

After his bitter defeat at the US Open, Rory McIlroy announced that he would be taking a break for a few weeks. He will only return to the public eye for the Genesis Scottish Open and the subsequent Open Championship, according to a statement published by the Northern Irishman on X (formerly Twitter). This week, Rory McIlroy is on the entry list and will attempt to defend the title he won at last year’s Genesis Scottish Open. In the press conference before the start of the tournament, he talks about how he has dealt with the US Open and what comes next for him.

Rory McIlroy: First interview after his defeat at the US Open

Question: They just took a hammer and chisel a little bit to the “L.” Obviously first time we’ve had a chance to speak to you since Pinehurst. Can you put into words the actions and emotions of that final round, if you can, please?

Rory McIlroy: I think the way I’ve described Pinehurst on Sunday was like it was a great day until it wasn’t. I did things on that Sunday that I haven’t been able to do in the last couple years. Took control of the golf tournament. Held putts when I needed to. Well, mostly when I needed to. Made birdies. You know, really got myself in there. And then, look, obviously unfortunately to miss those last two putts, or the putt on 16 and obviously the putt on 18.

Yeah, it was a tough day. It was a tough few days after that, obviously. But I think as you get further away from it happening, you start to see the positives and you start to see all the good things that you did throughout the week. […]

Thinking back, yeah, maybe I was a little too aware of where Bryson was and what he was doing but it was the nature of the golf course and how the golf course flowed. After the 14th tee, you’re sort of looking at 13 green, and then I had to wait on my tee shot on 15 before he hit, or you know, to let him hit his second shot into 14. Just the way the course flowed, it just made me very aware of what he was doing at the same time. So it sort of got me out of my own little world a little bit.”

Question: And next time when you’re in that kind of position at a major on the back nine, who knows, it could be Troon next week, what do you think you would do differently or seek to do differently?

Rory McIlroy: Well, that’s the thing. Not a whole lot different. As I said, it was a great day until it wasn’t. I think I touched on it a little bit. I think if anything, I’d say my pre-shot routine got a little bit long. Started to look at the target a few more times over the ball.

And then, you know, as I said, like being very aware of what maybe some others were doing on the golf course and not really staying in my own little world for the whole 18 holes.

But really, apart from that, there’s not a lot I would do differently.

Confidence ahead of the Scottish Open: “I’m playing great golf”

Question: That point I made about a shot at redemption, is that how you look at it next week?

Rory McIlroy: It’s just another opportunity. I’m playing great golf and it’s another opportunity to see how I can hopefully handle it better than I handled it a few weeks ago.

Question: Last year, it was a remarkable birdie, birdie finish. Can you just take us back to those moments and what you remember of winning?

Rory McIlroy: Yeah, you know it was obviously a really windy day, and you know I felt like Bob he played a much tougher back nine than me with everything that was on the line but trying to win your home open and all that.

I made a couple of good putts on the back nine. I didn’t make birdie on 16 and felt like that was sort of my opportunity gone. And then to finish two, three like I did. You know, everyone talks about the 2-iron at the last but the 5-iron I hit into 17 was just as good a shot if not a little bit better.

Yeah, to hit two iron shots like that and to hole the putts what I needed to, yeah, it was awesome. Sort of I felt in some ways bad that it came at the expense of Bob but at the same time it was amazing to win a tournament that I had never won before.

Yeah, good memories and good to be back.

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Live

World Golf Ranking: Tyrrell Hatton Gains One Position

While Tyrrell Hatton gains one position, Rory McIlroy remains the highest-ranked british player, holding steady at position 2. Tommy Fleetwood is the highest-ranked english player at eleventh position.  Meanwhile, fellow Brit Matt Fitzpatrick remains at position 20 without any changes from the previous week.

World Golf Ranking Updates for Other British Players

Aaron Rai has improved his standing, currently at position 53, moving up six positions. Tyrrell Hatton improved his ranking from the 23rd to the 22nd position. Robert MacIntyre, one of the prominent Scottish golfers, is placed at 44.

World Golf Ranking Top-10 Overview

Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate the World Golf Ranking, retaining his top spot. There have been no changes in the positions of Rory McIlroy (2nd) and Xander Schauffele (3rd). Ludvig Aberg has moved up to 4th, displacing Wyndham Clark, who is now 5th. The remaining positions in the top-10, including Collin Morikawa (6th), Viktor Hovland (7th), Patrick Cantlay (8th), Bryson DeChambeau (9th), and Jon Rahm (10th), have shown no movement this week.

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Live

World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy Top British Player

The World Golf Ranking has shown some minor changes this week for British, Welsh, and Scottish players. Rory McIlroy remains the highest-ranked British player at position 3. Following him is Tommy Fleetwood, positioned at 11, an improvement of one spot from the previous week.

British Players in the World Golf Ranking

Aaron Rai holds the 59th position, a notable improvement from 68th last week. Justin Rose dropped to 66th this week from 63rd and Robert MacIntyre remains stable at 45, maintaining his position from the last week. Same does Matt Fitzpatrick who remains at position 20. Shane Lowry dropped two positions to 33

The Top 10

In the Top-10 of the World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler continues to lead, holding onto his first place. Noteworthy changes include Wyndham Clark, who has climbed to 4th from 5th, and Collin Morikawa, moving up to 6th from 7th. Viktor Hovland has dropped to 7th from 6th. The rest of the Top-10 remains unchanged, highlighting the tight competition at the highest level.

Player NameCurrent RankingLast Week’s Ranking Points
Rory McIlroy33422
Tommy Fleetwood1112206
Matt Fitzpatrick2020175
Tyrrell Hatton2223133
Shane Lowry3331129
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Panorama

Niall Horan Ventures into TGL Ownership

In a surprising move former One Direction heartthrob Niall Horan has acquired an ownership stake in Boston Common Golf. The singer-songwriter has long been associated with the sport through his friendship with golfing superstar Rory McIlroy.

Niall Horan Takes Ownership Stake in Tomorrow Golf League

Boston Common Golf, a team within the innovative Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), has welcomed Niall Horan as an investor. The TGL is an innovative indoor golf league created by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods and is due to start in 2025. Other well-known investors include Serena Williams, Steph Curry and Justin Timberlake.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this venture that merges my passion for golf with the excitement of team competition,” Horan remarked in a statement released on the team’s official website. In addition to his role as an investor, Horan will also act as an ambassador for the team, according to a statement made on the golf team’s website.

Horan Served as a Caddie for Rory McIlroy

Horan has been in the golf business for some time now. From serving as a caddie for McIlroy during the prestigious Masters Par 3 Contest in 2015 to co-founding the successful golf management firm Modest! Golf. His new partnership with Boston Common Golf is the latest addition to Horan’s golf portfolio.

“I can’t wait to experience team golf in this unique format that merges technology with green grass play,” Horan said. “Being able to combine my love for the game and my friendship with Rory into a relationship that helps launch a new concept in golf is truly special.”

Boston Common Golf

Boston Common Golf is one of the six teams of the TGL. The team consists of the four Major winners Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley and is owned by the Fenway Sports Group. The investment group, headed by founders John Henry and Tom Werner, owns the Boston Red Sox, NASCAR’s RFK Racing, the Premier League’s Liverpool franchise and the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Panorama

Rory McIlroy Takes Break Following Heartbreaking US Open 2024 Defeat

The Northern Irish golfer took to X on Monday to reveal that he is stepping back temporarily following a disappointing performance at the US Open 2024. McIlroy, who boasts four Major titles, plans to take a few weeks off to recover mentally and physically.

A Painful Loss at the US Open 2024

McIlroy endured a tough defeat at the US Open 2024 in Pinehurst, missing out on his first Major win in nearly a decade. With a two-shot lead and five holes to play, McIlroy seemed poised for victory. However, bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes cost him dearly. The most painful moments came with two missed short putts: a 75-centimeter putt on the 16th hole and a 1.1-meter putt on the 18th, ultimately costing him the title.

McIlroy’s Reaction and Break Announcement

In a statement on X, McIlroy announced his decision to take a break, returning only for the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open. Reflecting on his loss, McIlroy emphasized looking at the positives despite the setbacks. “I have always shown resilience and will do so again,” said McIlroy. He added, “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.” Despite the missed putts that cost him the title, McIlroy highlighted, “The positives of the week far outweigh the negatives.”

Seventeen Years of Professional Golf: A Retrospective

McIlroy has been a professional golfer for nearly two decades, starting with a spectacular win at the US Open in 2011, followed by several other Major titles. However, since his victory at the 2014 PGA Championship, he has been chasing another Major win. Despite numerous top-10 finishes in recent years, the breakthrough has eluded him. After missing the crucial putts on the 16th and 18th holes, McIlroy left Pinehurst No. 2 without speaking to the media.

Bryson DeChambeau Wins the US Open 2024

Bryson DeChambeau claimed his second US Open title, making a decisive pitch from a fairway bunker onto the 18th green and sinking the winning putt. In his statement, McIlroy congratulated DeChambeau, calling him a “worthy champion.” McIlroy departed the course shortly after the tournament concluded without addressing the media. “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now,” said McIlroy.

Support from Peers and Fans

McIlroy received an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans on social media. Shane Lowry, who won the Zurich Classic with McIlroy this year, wrote on X: “From the outside looking in, this game looks easy. But in reality, it’s the toughest of all.” Billy Horschel, speaking of his own struggles, called McIlroy “the greatest player of my generation.”

Future Plans for Rory McIlroy

McIlroy will take several weeks off to prepare for upcoming tournaments. The Genesis Scottish Open, which he won in 2023, starts on July 11, followed by The Open at Royal Troon on July 18. McIlroy hopes to return stronger and end his nearly ten-year Major drought. “I’ll take some time to process everything and build up for my title defense at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open,” McIlroy explained.