'PGA Signboard' McIlroy: "I Still Dislike LIV"

RBC Canada Open Official Press Conference Shows Discontent
Ogilvy "Glad I'm Not Monahan" Mocking
Monahan Commissioner "PGA Players Should Be Compensated"

"I hate LIV."

This is the true feeling of Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), the 'face of the PGA.' He revealed his first stance after hearing the news that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, sponsored by Saudi Arabian capital, are merging with the DP World Tour. On the 7th (local time), McIlroy attended the official press conference for the PGA Tour RBC Canadian Open held in Toronto, Canada, and said, "I was surprised by the news of the merger between the two organizations," adding, "It could have a positive impact on professional golf, but I feel like a scapegoat."

Rory McIlroy is being asked about the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf at the official RBC Canadian Open press conference. [Toronto (Canada) = AP·Yonhap News]

McIlroy said, "I still hate LIV," and explained, "It was a matter of whether to continue seeing the world's largest sovereign wealth fund as an enemy or become a partner, but in the end, the important thing was money, and they decided that becoming a partner was better than being an enemy."

McIlroy took the lead in the war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf on behalf of the PGA Tour. Alongside 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA), he criticized LIV Golf at the forefront of the PGA Tour. Players who moved to LIV Golf, which launched in June last year, were effectively treated as 'traitors,' and he also clashed with Greg Norman (Australia), who leads LIV Golf. He did not even greet Patrick Reed (USA), who switched to LIV Golf.

However, McIlroy found himself in a difficult situation. The day before, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf suddenly announced their merger. McIlroy heard about the merger just hours before the announcement. The merger was carried out with him completely excluded. McIlroy said, "Looking at this situation alone, I cannot deny that it will have a positive effect on the game of golf," but added, "Personally, it is hard to welcome the return of those who left the PGA Tour, caused great damage to this tour, and even filed lawsuits, as if nothing happened."

PGA Tour players could not hide their surprise and confusion upon hearing the news of the merger with LIV Golf. Especially, criticism poured down on PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) said, "I'm glad I'm not Monahan." Collin Morikawa (USA) lamented, "It was the longest day of my golf life." Justin Thomas (USA) showed a phone screen filled with numerous messages, representing how shocked the players were.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Monahan said in an interview with Golf Channel, "Players who refused offers to move to LIV Golf and stayed with the PGA Tour will receive appropriate compensation." Monahan added, "This decision will have a positive effect on all players," and "The loyalty players have shown to the PGA Tour should also be rewarded." However, he said that the appropriate method of compensation will need further discussion going forward.