Rory McIlroy has been one of the PGA Tour great defenders against LIV Golf, but after some time off following a poor showing at Augusta National, the four-time Grand Slam champion is taking a different approach.
That focus apparently includes less focus on the Saudi-backed rival circuit.
Rory McIlroy on the 10th hole during a practice round before the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 16, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Andres Redington/Getty Images)
While speaking to reporters on the Tuesday before the PGA Championship In Rochester, New York, McIlroy gave detailed answers on a wide range of topics, even mentioning Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
PGA TOUR CONFIRMS RORY MCILROY TO LOSE $3 MILLION BONUS PIP: ‘HE KNEW THE CONSEQUENCES’
But at the mention of livgolf, as their first anniversary approaches, McIlroy offered little.
«I don’t have a crystal ball,» McIlroy replied when asked where he thought the opposing league would be in three years.
When asked if he wanted to «speculate,» he simply said, «No.»
Rory McIlroy speaks during a press conference before the PGA Championship on May 16, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Andres Redington/Getty Images)
Later, when asked by another reporter if he was going to make a «conscious» effort to «skip» the PGA Tour vs. LIV, McIlroy replied: «Yes.»
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His attempt to refocus on his game comes after a rocky start to the year.
McIlroy previously skipped the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua in early 2023, but after missing the cut at the Masters, he also withdrew from RBC Heritage.
Missing two designated events resulted in McIlroy losing $3 million of his $12 million in PIP earnings.
Rory McIlroy and his caddy Harry Diamond during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2023 in Georgia. (Andres Redington/Getty Images)
«I always thought I had a good handle on perspective on things and where golf fits into my life, and trying to find purpose outside of golf in some way,» McIlroy said of their breakup before the Wellses. Fargo Championship earlier this month.
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«But I think in the last 12 months, I’ve lost sight of that. I’ve lost sight of the fact that there’s more to life than the world of golf and this silly little dispute that happens between tours, and all sorts of things.»
McIlroy has been World No. 1 for 82 weeks and has won 18 tournaments around the world since he last won a Grand Slam at the 2014 PGA Championship in Valhalla. Oak Hill is his next chance to go 31 majors without winning one.
Associated Press contributed to this report.