Aussie Adam Scott has praised Rory McIlroy for being ‘responsible’ in stepping down and not ‘holding on’ with the shock decision to remove himself as a member of the PGA Tour’s Players Advisory Council.
McIlroy revealed his decision to step down ahead of last week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monohan formally confirming McIlroy’s decision in a ‘thank you’ letter to McIlroy that was also released on the Tour’s ‘X’ account.
McIlroy had become the ‘unofficial’ spokesperson for the PGA Tour in the face of LIV Golf, but appears to have gone unheard since the news that the PGA and DP World Tour would be working together in a merger deal with the Saudi government backed PIF Fund.
Scott was asked about his thoughts on the matter ahead of teeing-up in this week’s co-sanctioned Australian PGA Championship at the famed Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, and where Scott first became a member when just 11-years old.
“I was somewhat surprised to learn of Rory’s decision”, said Scott. “I heard he was ready to step down earlier in the year, though he stayed and saw the year out.
“However, since it became official he was stepping down I haven’t talked to him about it.
“Like his statement indicated, he feels like he has other priorities. He’s giving a lot of time everywhere and he just couldn’t give the time anymore to the committee, so in one way that is being responsible rather than holding a board seat and not being engaged. I don’t staying-on would have been a great idea.
“So, he’s done what he thinks is right for him and it’s probably right for the Tour, as well.”
The first Australian-born winner of an Augusta National members jacket in 2013 was also asked for his thoughts if the history-making ‘agreement’ in professional golf will succeed.
“It’s still hard to tell if the deal will go through or not”, said Scott.
“As everyone knows, there are four or five other interested parties investing in the PGA Tour, and like PIF, so management have a lot of work to do, to get some final deals on the table so the board can have a look at it”.
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