Rich Beem believes that Rory McIlroy needs to put his Player Advisory Council duties to one side and prioritise playing golf again after seeing his administrative actions take a toll on him this year.
McIlroy missed the cut at the Masters last week meaning his Grand Slam hopes are on ice for another year at least. After the second round, McIlroy refused to fulfil media duties and on Monday afternoon he withdrew from this weeks elevated event at the RBC Heritage.
This was McIlroy’s second absence from one of the 17 designated events having already used his one event exemption at the Sentry Tournament of Champions – he was fined $3 million.
The 33-year-old was the ring leader in establishing the new elevated events which makes his absence all the more questionable and Beem feels his role at board level has taken its toll.
“Looking at what Rory has done this year and put himself at the forefront of the PGA Tour, trying to get everybody behind what the PGA Tour initiative is with elevated events going forward and the schedule next year, I think it has taken a toll on him,” the 2002 PGA Champion told Sky Sports.
“I think we have seen a drop off in his production on the course. Didn’t play very well at the Players Championship, missed the cut last week (at the Masters). I think it’s time for him to step back out of the spotlight, I understand the money he isn’t going to receive $3 million out of the twelve, so only nine million dollars. Not one hundred percent where that money goes, I’m sure it will go to a charitable organisation which would be great.”
As for coming up with a reason for his withdrawal this week, Beem believes it’s no harm and McIlroy needs to take some time away from the spotlight and get his game back in shape for next month’s PGA Championship.
“I look at Rory needing some time and space to collect his thoughts before he comes back here because he has been so vocal in front of the cameras trying to help the PGA Tour sell what’s going on and I think he maybe lost a little bit of sight and time to work on his game.
“I think that’s what he needs right now a little time to be himself and go back to being Rory and let’s play golf.”
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