Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
RORY McILROY HAS conceded he was “too judgemental” in his criticisms of those who joined the breakaway LIV Golf Tour.
McIlroy took a strident position against the big-money venture, which tempted a host of top names with lavish paydays and disrupted the established order of the PGA and European tours.
The Northern Irishman became the de facto voice of opposition to the project, which has continued to divide the sport, and said during last year’s Ryder Cup in Rome that the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter would miss being part of the European team more than they would be missed.
Now, with talks ongoing to agree a merger between the rival parties, McIlroy has taken a tentative step towards rapprochement.
Speaking to Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast, he said: “I think at this point, I was maybe a little judgemental of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the start.
“I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realise that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Wood’s position. I can’t judge people for making that decision, so if I regret anything, it was probably being too judgemental at the start.
I wouldn’t say I’ve lost the fight against LIV, but I’ve just accepted the fact that this is part of our sport now.
“At the end of the day, we’re professional golfers and we play to make a living and make money, so I understand it.”
McIlroy remains unhappy at those who criticised the established tours after leaving, but did accept that the Saudi intervention did shine a light on problems that had gone overlooked for too long.
“I don’t begrudge anyone for going and taking the money and doing something different, but don’t try to burn the place down on your way out,” he added.
“When people have played that for 15 or 20 years, and then they jump to LIV and start talking crap about where they’ve come from, that is what bothers me, because they wouldn’t be in this position if they didn’t have the career they’ve had so far.
“I think what LIV has done… it’s exposed some of the flaws in the system and hopefully golf will have a look at more.
“If we’re going to ask these people (sponsors) for so much money, we need to be able to guarantee them what they’re getting.
“Part of the stuff that we’ve been trying to do for the last two years is figure out how we can try and bring golf back together again and learn from some of the things that have happened.”
Jon Rahm became the latest high-profile LIV acquisition within weeks of helping Europe to victory in a Ryder Cup triumph in Rome, a move McIlroy chalked up as calculated move against the backdrop of negotiations between the rival tours.
“I thought it was a smart business move from Jon – it’s opportunistic,” he said.
“(He) hasn’t got any of the heat for going like the first guys got for going.
“Jon is a smart guy and I think he sees things coming together at some point so he’s thinking that he’ll take the up-front money, which is his prerogative, and if things come together he’ll play LIV for a year then come back to play on the tour.”
Written by Press Association and posted on the42.ie
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Ah so a machine that will always be on call for a family, cleaning, washing , cooking etc.
One that never gets sick or expects thanks or pay?
I think they have invented it. It’s called a Mammy.
They believed that 20 years ago.. Where’s it at ?
have one of these, I was not so optimistic bout it but my girlfriend wanted to get it… have to say, it does impressive job ! push the button, go shopping, and when ure back its all done !
Was just thinking the same, so far there’s dishwashers, those hovering robots, grass cutting robots, robots for cleaning swimming pools.
And this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvwM-7gAbxQ&feature=related
it’s getting there for sure.
Forget about housework, I can’t wait for robot boxing. My son loves the film Real Steel and is constantly begging me to build a fighting robot with him :D
Now you’re talking, Real Steel’s a great movie.
Btw paint some boxes silver, put them on and burst into your sons room some night screaming “Come On you Fu#ker!!”
Stopped my young lad pestering me…
That sounds like a job for Lego Mindstorm!
@ Ailis I think you may be mistaken about someone taking the dog, it’s the robot I would be scared of being taken by a lot of people who will never be able to afford such a luxury but then again it’s nice to dream :)
21% ok with a bot walking their dog???!!! Janey mac!
I’d love one to do my housework and I look forward to the day, but I’ll never let one walk my dog. Not because I don’t trust the robot, but because I don’t trust people. Sure couldn’t they just walk up and take your dog from the poor machine??
But if you’re going to get a robot to walk your dog, why bother getting a dog at all. Probably better off getting a robot dog instead :-D
The sooner they come in the better. Then women will be able to concentrate more on their driving. :)
Sorry Gavan, but this is a complete waste of a story…
We’ve got a robot cutting the grass, bought it online for my elderly mother to save her 2 hours per week work and to not have to do it myself (!)
It’s a great little thing, you just lay a copper wire all around the boundaries and it cuts everything inside them. Only cost €700, worth every penny.
Can’t wait to get one that will do the hoovering, it can’t be too long away
Ha Ha, what they don’t know is that we have them here already. They run the country and are controlled remotely from Germany
Give it a rest.
Can’t wait for my own Kryten
the sooner the better
less work for me ha ha
have your say