OUT OF ORDER Ernie Els has put Rory McIlroy's comments about the Champions Tour down to a lack of wisdom. Photo: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images via AFP
Image: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images via AFP
Seldom one to filter his true feelings on a golf topic, Rory McIlroy has come under fire for his comments that something would have gone drastically wrong if he were to end up playing Champions Tour golf.
McIlroy, 35, is currently playing in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass on the US PGA Tour, where he lies four shots off the lead ahead of the final round on Sunday.
The current world number two has four majors to his name, with only The Masters title eluding him so far. It means he is one victory at Augusta away from becoming the sixth person to win all four men’s majors after Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, and Gary Player.
At 21 years old in 2011, McIlroy led the Masters heading to the back nine before one bad swing saw him pull his tee shot way left on the 10th hole, which signalled the end of his challenge in the only major he is yet to win.
McIlroy was reminded of this during a taunt from a spectator during a practice round at the Players earlier this week, and may have led to his bad mood when talking about the Champions Tour.
When asked if he plans to play on the senior tour in the US, McIlroy said: "Absolutely not. I will not play Champions Tour golf. Look, I've said a lot of absolutes in my time that I've walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”
Meanwhile, Ernie Els, who currently leads the Champions Tour Order of Merit - Charles Schwab Cup Money - and who 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 years old, I was also bullet proof saying things about not playing past 50. I’m 55 now and laughing at my comments from back then. @ChampionsTour golf is so fulfilling with a great bunch of players we all grew up together from junior golf. Our sponsors and partners are wonderful companies and people. Competition is a powerful tool!" Els said on X.
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