Best for the game of golf if I win The Open, says McIlroy
12 July 2022 - 19:14
bySteve Keating
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Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy. Picture: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
St Andrews — Rory McIlroy believes it would be best for the game of golf if he were to win the 150th Open but said on Tuesday he will not begrudge a player from the rebel LIV Invitational Series claiming the Claret Jug.
The image of a golfer from the breakaway circuit hoisting the treasured trophy in the Sunday twilight at the Home of Golf would be a powerful one and a marketing coup for the LIV Series, which has branded itself as the new era for golf.
Despite a steady exodus of high-profile members, including Major winners Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka to the controversial Saudi-back venture, the PGA and DP Tours have boasted that their tournament fields remain the best the sport can offer.
That claim would suffer if a player from the LIV Series were to walk away with golf’s most famous trophy.
“Selfishly, for me, yes, I think it would be better for the game,” McIlroy told reporters. “But at the end of the day, everyone that’s here has the same opportunity to go out there and try to win a Claret Jug, regardless of what tour they play on or whatever that is.
“I’m not going to begrudge anyone if they win the Claret Jug and they play on a different tour than I play.”
McIlroy has been one of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters and one of golf’s in-form players coming into The Open, making the Northern Irishman the hot betting favourite and potentially the ideal champion.
The four-time Major winner has not been shy about sharing his opinions about the LIV Series, taking shots at some of those who have jumped to the big-money circuit and CEO Greg Norman. The twice Open champion has been told by organisers Royal & Ancient to stay away so as not to distract from the 150th anniversary celebrations.
With two wins this season and top 10 finishes at the three Majors, including a runner-up result at the Masters, McIlroy is also seen as the man to beat at St Andrews.
“I’m playing well. I’m in good form,” he said. “My confidence in my game is as high as it’s been in quite a while.
“I can’t go in here thinking that this might be my time. I just have to go out and play a really good tournament.
“To hear your name and winner of the gold medal, Champion Golfer of the Year, it’s what dreams are made of.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Best for the game of golf if I win The Open, says McIlroy
St Andrews — Rory McIlroy believes it would be best for the game of golf if he were to win the 150th Open but said on Tuesday he will not begrudge a player from the rebel LIV Invitational Series claiming the Claret Jug.
The image of a golfer from the breakaway circuit hoisting the treasured trophy in the Sunday twilight at the Home of Golf would be a powerful one and a marketing coup for the LIV Series, which has branded itself as the new era for golf.
Despite a steady exodus of high-profile members, including Major winners Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka to the controversial Saudi-back venture, the PGA and DP Tours have boasted that their tournament fields remain the best the sport can offer.
That claim would suffer if a player from the LIV Series were to walk away with golf’s most famous trophy.
“Selfishly, for me, yes, I think it would be better for the game,” McIlroy told reporters. “But at the end of the day, everyone that’s here has the same opportunity to go out there and try to win a Claret Jug, regardless of what tour they play on or whatever that is.
“I’m not going to begrudge anyone if they win the Claret Jug and they play on a different tour than I play.”
McIlroy has been one of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters and one of golf’s in-form players coming into The Open, making the Northern Irishman the hot betting favourite and potentially the ideal champion.
The four-time Major winner has not been shy about sharing his opinions about the LIV Series, taking shots at some of those who have jumped to the big-money circuit and CEO Greg Norman. The twice Open champion has been told by organisers Royal & Ancient to stay away so as not to distract from the 150th anniversary celebrations.
With two wins this season and top 10 finishes at the three Majors, including a runner-up result at the Masters, McIlroy is also seen as the man to beat at St Andrews.
“I’m playing well. I’m in good form,” he said. “My confidence in my game is as high as it’s been in quite a while.
“I can’t go in here thinking that this might be my time. I just have to go out and play a really good tournament.
“To hear your name and winner of the gold medal, Champion Golfer of the Year, it’s what dreams are made of.”
Reuters
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