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Rory McIlroy sticks to his guns.
The four-time major champion supports the court ruling that bars three LIV golfers from the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the fourth fairway during the third round of the British Open golf championship at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, July 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
On Tuesday, Judge Beth Labson Freeman ruled that Taylor Gooch, Matt Jones and Hudson Swofford were ineligible to play due to Tour standing despite qualifying for the PGA Tour playoffs, and that anyone participating in LIV Golf would be disqualified participation in Tour-sponsored events.
“From my point of view, common sense prevailed and I decided it was the right decision,” McIlroy told reporters, via The Score.
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The three golfers claimed to have qualified for the postseason before switching to LIV, and since their tour is on hiatus, they are independent contractors and free agents. But the Tour countered with its initial sentiments.
The tour also argued that allowing Gooch, Jones and Swofford into the playoffs would provide free advertising for LIV and they would effectively not be penalized for defecting.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy reacts after teeing off from the bunker for birdie during the final round of the Masters on April 10, 2022 in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
JUDGE RULES LIV GOLFERS WHO JUDGE PGA CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN FEDEX CUP PLAYOFFS
“Guys are going to make their own decisions that they think are best for them, and that’s totally fine,” the 33-year-old McIlroy said. “Again, I don’t fault anyone for going to play LIV or taking guaranteed money. If that’s your prerogative and what you want to do, totally fine.
“I think where the discontent comes from the members of this tour is the fact that they want to try to get back here without consequence. And anyone who has read the PGA Tour handbook or followed the rules and regulations, that would be very unfair to them.”
McIlroy has been critical of LIV and its players in the past, saying that if they leave, they should stay at that lane.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy celebrates with the trophy after winning the RBC Canadian Open in St. George’s Golf and Country Club on June 12, 2022 in Etobicoke, Ontario. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
“I think at this stage, if you go and play another tour, then go and play another tour,” he said in July, via the BBC. “You basically leave all your peers behind to go make more money, which is good. But just go there. Don’t try to come back and play here again.”
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The winner of the FedEx Cup playoffs will receive $18 million.
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