Report: Rory McIlroy Set to Rejoin PGA Tour Policy Board

In a surprise move, it’s being reported that Rory McIlroy will be rejoining the PGA Tour policy board after resigning from the post last November. In addition, he’ll be joining the board for the for-profit PGA Tour Enterprises – the entity that’s negotiating with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) to finalize the framework agreement that was reached last June.

The Guardian in the U.K. is reporting the news. They say McIlroy coming back into the fold was requested by Webb Simpson, who is leaving his position on both boards.

Rory McIlroy reportedly is returning to the PGA Tour’s Policy Board only five months after he resigned from his position.

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— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 23, 2024

When he resigned, McIlroy hinted that he was looking to move back to the U.K. and get out of the political part of the game of golf.

But McIlroy has been more vocal in recent weeks about the struggles that the men’s pro game has had this year, including TV viewership drops of around 20% even for the biggest tournaments. Public sentiment has also been difficult for the sport this year, as the top players are divided by the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. While the golfers have gotten richer over the past two years, the overall product is not in as good of a place.

McIlroy also refuted rumors that he was set to join LIV Golf, saying last week that he would be on the PGA Tour for the rest of his career.

Exclusive: Rory McIlroy tells @ToddLewisGC that LIV Golf rumors are false and, “I will play the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.” Tune into Golf Today at 5 p.m. EDT for more. pic.twitter.com/PIPAWMIWGh

— Golf Central (@GolfCentral) April 16, 2024

In its report, The Guardian said that having McIlroy back on the board will be a benefit to the DP World Tour for having a European on the board. It will also benefit Fenway Sports Group, which is part of Strategic Sports Group, the entity that’s funneling as much as $3 billion into the new PGA Tour Enterprises company.

McIlroy is the captain of the team owned by Fenway in the TGL, which will be starting next January. It’s also believed that McIlroy has a good relationship with PIF governor Yassir al-Rumayyan.

The vote to reinstall McIlroy on the board will take place on Wednesday.

Cover Image via Sporting News