Rarely one to filter his true feelings on a golf subject, Rory McIlroy was criticized for his comments that something would have gone drastically wrong if he had ended up playing Champions Tour golf.
McIlroy, 35, is currently playing in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in the United States. PGA Tourwhere he is four shots from the lead before Sunday’s final round.
The current world number two has four major tournaments to his credit, with only the Masters title escaping him so far. That means he is one win at Augusta away from becoming the sixth to win all four men’s majors after Tiger woodJack Nicklaus, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Gary Player.
At age 21 in 2011, McIlroy led the Masters heading to the back nine before a poor swing saw him pull his tee shot well left on the 10th hole, which marked the end of his challenge in the only major he has yet to win.
Rory McIlroy’s take on the Champions Tour: ‘Something is seriously wrong if I compete at 50’
McIlroy was reminded of this during a taunt from a spectator during a practice round at The Players earlier this week, and it may have led to his bad mood when talking about the Champions Tour.
Asked if he would consider playing on the senior tour in the United States, McIlroy said: “Absolutely not. I won’t play Champions Tour golf. Look, I’ve said a lot of absolutes over the course of my career, but I’m not considering playing Champions Tour golf. Something has gone horribly wrong if I have to compete in golf at 50.”
In the meantime, Ernie Elswho currently leads the Champions Tour Order of Merit – Charles Schwab Cup Money – and is also a four-time major winner like McIlroy, suggested the Northern Irishman might feel differently when he is wiser.
“Interesting to read @McIlroyRory’s comments today. At 35 I was also bulletproof saying things about not playing past 50. I’m 55 now and I laugh at my comments back then. @ChampionsTour golf is so fulfilling with a great group of players we all grew up with together in junior golf. Our sponsors and partners are corporate and great people. Competition is a powerful tool!” Els said on X.
