Arrr! Phil Mickelson be standin' by Rory McIlroy, beggin' ye scurvy dogs to hold yer tongues, no pile-on be allowed!
2024-01-04
Arr, Rory McIlroy bein' mighty sorry for his scurvy remarks 'bout them scurvy dogs defectin' to LIV Golf! The lad from Northern Ireland be also claimin' that the structure of the PGA Tour be as flawed as a leaky ship!
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, have not yet finalized a deal to merge their assets. The emergence of LIV Golf caused controversy in the golf world, but the previously announced merger deal seemed to soften some critics' opinions. However, doubts about the deal being finalized have been growing over the past few weeks and months.Recently, Rory McIlroy, a four-time major winner, admitted that he was "too judgmental" in his comments about golfers who joined LIV Golf. He realized that not everyone is in his position or Tiger Woods' position, and that players turn professional to make a living. Phil Mickelson, the captain of LIV Golf, supported McIlroy and encouraged fans not to criticize him. Mickelson also suggested that it was time for hostilities to be put aside.
Mickelson has been vocal about his criticism of the PGA Tour and believes that LIV's acquisition of Jon Rahm could help mend the relationship between the two sides. Mickelson mentioned the possibility of changing the rules for the Ryder Cup so that Rahm and others could play. However, until an agreement is reached, both sides will continue with business as usual.
Mickelson and McIlroy have traded jabs publicly in the past few months. Mickelson hinted that LIV's schedule would be a better fit for McIlroy after he failed to make the cut at Augusta National. McIlroy responded by taking a dig at Mickelson's alleged attempt to wager on the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup.
The pending deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, along with the involvement of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, is expected to be finalized in 2024.