Rory McIlroy on the dynamic of playing with LIV Golf pro: "It was FINE!"
Rory McIlroy has spoken of the "dynamic" of playing with a LIV Golf player during the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Rory McIlroy admitted the "dynamic was absolutely fine" after playing his second round of the DP World Tour Championship with Adrián Otaegui, who has had a large presence in LIV Golf's inaugural season.
McIlroy carded a second round of 68 that was highlighted by a stunning finish of birdie-birdie-eagle on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The Northern Irishman's task to try and win the tournament may still be too big at this point as when McIlroy signed for his 4-under par second round the leaders still had nine holes to play.
Related: Rory McIlroy laughs at LIV's OWGR dilemma
But nonetheless he was happy. He told the media:
In case you have been living under a rock, McIlroy has been quite outspoken throughout 2022 after the emergence of LIV Golf.
Critics have accused him of changing his tune weekly. McIlroy maintains he's just trying to be as honest as he can be.
He was honest before this tournament began when he suggested that LIV Golf's commissioner, Greg Norman, should "exit stage left".
McIlroy said only an "adult in the room" can help with peace talks between the warring PGA Tour and the breakaway series.
Although this PGA Tour legend completely disagrees with McIlroy's sentiments.
McIlroy was paired with Otaegui for his second round. The Spaniard has won $1,294,500 on the course with LIV in their debut season.
Was there going to be any animosity?
As soon as McIlroy tapped in for his closing eagle at No. 18, he embraced the Spaniard warmly.
Asked about this, McIlroy told the media:
All smiles for Rory McIlroy after he cards a second round of 4-under 68 at the DP World Tour Championship.
McIlroy closed with an eagle at No. 18
Who do you think will win this week? pic.twitter.com/Llv97Y8aXN— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) November 18, 2022
At the time of writing McIlroy is projected to finish top of the DP World Tour Rankings.
Despite falling short in the majors once again, if he were to hold off Ryan Fox for the honour it would bookend a remarkably consistent 2022.
McIlroy won the FedEx Cup, scooping the $18m bonus after raining on Scottie Scheffler's parade when he won the Tour Championship at East Lake.
He also won the CJ Cup last season and also the RBC Canadian Open. McIlroy defended the CJ Cup three weeks ago.
Next page: Honda ends sponsorship of PGA Tour event
Ben joined GolfMagic as Content Executive in September 2021 just before the Ryder Cup and has contributed significantly to the growth of the site. Ben now assumes our Content Manager role, specialising in PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf content.
