McIlroy elucidates significant enhancement in performance as impressive 2025 campaign persists
Slacking Off as a Tour Director Paid Off for Rory McIlroy in 2025
Rory McIlroy is having a fantastic season, starting with a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, followed by his second Players Championship victory, and culminating in victory at the Masters. McIlroy, a former player director on the PGA Tour's policy board, stepped down from his role in November 2023, during discussions between the PGA and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) about a potential collaboration.
Since then, McIlroy has seemed to steer clear of the LIV debate, with comments suggesting that his performance might have improved due to his decreased involvement in tour politics. In September 2024, during the Truist Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, a reporter asked if the LIV discussions fundamentally changed his game. McIlroy replied, "I think so. Certainly not involved too much in the politics of everything."
McIlroy went on to say, "I just want to play golf and the reason I got into this game was to shoot scores and try to play the best golf possible..." He continued, "It was good to do [be a board member], it was a great experience. But, I'm happy with where I'm at right now."
Asked about his performance in the Truist Championship, McIlroy admitted that he struggled in round two, with too many mistakes compared to his usual play. However, his past dominance at Quail Hollow is attributed to his skillset and the course's layout, rather than any administrative changes[2]. Additionally, McIlroy maintained a strong position in the FedExCup rankings, suggesting consistent performance[3].
In terms of McIlroy's 2025 success, a clear connection between his continued involvement in administrative duties and his performance hasn't been established[1]. However, it's evident that McIlroy feels more focused on his games since distancing himself from tour politics.
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"I've stopped caring about LIV. It's not my concern anymore," McIlroy told a reporter[4]. "All I'm focused on is playing the best golf possible, and that's what I've been doing this season."
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McIlroy's decision to step away from tour politics in 2023 seemed to positively impact his game, as he focused more on playing golf, much like how he initially got into the sport. Despite the ongoing LIV debate, McIlroy has shown less concern, preferring instead to concentrate on shooting scores and striving for his best in various sports such as football (soccer), golf, tennis, and the NFL.
