Rory McIlroy makes promise to Erica after slamming 'flawed' LIV Golf argument
Rory McIlroy believes Phil Mickelson's argument is 'flawed'.
Rory McIlroy says he wants his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy to 'know who I am' as he revealed he hasn't changed his mind over European LIV Golf players competing at the Ryder Cup.
Speaking before the Memorial at Muirfield Village, McIlroy emphasised he's trying to obtain a better work/life balance.
So much so, he revealed he's not been too involved in recent discussions about whether or not next year's designated events on the PGA Tour should or shouldn't have a 36-hole cut.
Related: McIlroy tries out new training aid
"Look, I think that's all TBD," McIlroy said. "I'm not sure. Honestly, I haven't really been a part of those conversations over the last few weeks."
It's a topic that Jon Rahm and Patrick Cantlay already disagreed about.
As for the forthcoming Ryder Cup, McIlroy insisted newly-crowned PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka deserves to be in the U.S. Ryder Cup side on merit.
He questioned which other Americans playing LIV Golf would but was adamant there should be no place for the likes of Sergio Garcia.
Garcia was once extremely close with McIlroy but their relationship has gone south ever since the Spaniard joined LIV.
World No. 2 Rahm was passionate in his defence of Garcia earlier in the week. "I'm going to miss him," Rahm said.
McIlroy said:
McIlroy also scoffed at a recent suggestion from Phil Mickelson that the breakaway tour's schedule is the 'best way' to prepare for majors.
LIV Golf played eight events in their inaugural season and are playing 14 in 2023.
It's a number that Mickelson et al think provides ample time away from the course to prepare for the big four.
McIlroy said: "You only have to play 15 events on this tour."
| Rory McIlroy says Brooks Koepka deserves to be in the U.S. Ryder Cup side but feels differently about European LIV Golf players "because of how it's transpired". pic.twitter.com/MKjT0HbMsa
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) May 31, 2023
He added: "You know, like it's not, you know, no one makes anyone play 25 events on the PGA Tour, 15 is the minimum."
McIlroy described the argument as 'flawed'.
Before McIlroy left his press conference he was asked what the most challenging thing he's going through at the moment with regard to a work-life balance.
Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors. Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations. 14 LIV events, 34 weeks left open to prepare for the 4 majors. Fact.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 23, 2023
McIlroy said:
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