Rory McIlroy set for surprise return to PGA Tour board just five months after his shock resignation
- The four-time major champion from Northern Ireland replaces Webb Simpson
- It is unlikely that the Northern Irishman’s return will encounter any resistance
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Rory McIlroy has rejoined the PGA Tour’s policy board as player director just five months after his shock resignation, while he has also taken a seat on the board of PGA Tour Enterprises, according to reports.
The four-time Northern Ireland champions will replace Webb Simpson, who, according to the Guardian, tendered his resignation with a request for McIlroy to take his place.
McIlroy stepped down from the policy board in November following the dramatic battle between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Golf and the organizations’ subsequent ‘framework agreement’ for a merger.
He is now expected to be re-elected to the board this week before competing in the Zurich Classic.
McIlroy should be approved in a voice vote on Wednesday.
Rory McIlroy, 34, faces election Wednesday to return to PGA Tour policy council
The Northern Irishman will replace Webb Simpson, who called on McIlroy to take his place
With peers like Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay holding votes, Mcilroy’s return is unlikely to encounter any resistance.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have not reached a final merger agreement with LIV’s backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), in the months since a self-imposed Dec. 21 deadline came and went.
In the meantime, LIV has poached its highest-profile golfer to date in two-time winner Jon Ram. The Spaniard was among the top three in the world when he signed with LIV Golf in December.
McIlroy – once a harsh critic of LIV Golf – has come to the view that men’s golf needs unity
The PGA Tour entered into a separate partnership with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a consortium of US-based sports team owners.
Adding McIlroy as player director could fuel hopes that a deal with the PIF can move forward, the Guardian reported.
Mcilroy, once a harsh critic of LIV Golf, has since taken the position that men’s golf should be reunited, with LIV players allowed back on the tour on penalties.
The 34-year-old also denied the rumor last week that he was offered $850 million to jump to LIV.