Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfer with four major titles, is returning to the PGA Tour’s policy board as a player director and will also be part of the PGA Tour Enterprises board, reported the Guardian on Monday. McIlroy had resigned from the policy board in November amidst the high-profile dispute between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf and the subsequent agreement for a merger. Webb Simpson, according to the Guardian, has resigned from the policy board and specifically requested that McIlroy take his place. McIlroy’s return, however, must be approved by a vote scheduled for Wednesday. With fellow players like Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, and Patrick Cantlay holding votes, there is little chance that McIlroy’s reinstatement will face opposition. Months have passed since the PGA Tour and DP World Tour set a self-imposed deadline of December 31 for completing a merger agreement with LIV’s financial backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), but no final agreement has been reached. In the interim, LIV Golf managed to attract its biggest name yet, two-time major winner Jon Rahm, who was ranked among the top three golfers in the world when he joined LIV in December. The PGA Tour has forged a partnership with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a group of US sports team owners. According to the Guardian, McIlroy’s return as a player director might boost optimism for a potential agreement with the PIF. McIlroy, who was once a harsh critic of LIV Golf, has recently advocated for the mending of men’s golf and the acceptance of LIV players back into the tour without penalty. Last week, the 34-year-old golfer also dismissed rumors that he was offered $850 million to join LIV.
Rory McIlroy Returns to PGA Tour Policy Board as Player Director
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