Rory dishes on LIV, Ryder Cupper returns, Augusta in ’recovery mode’ | Monday Finish
Rory McIlroy had plenty to say about LIV Golf and other topics during a press conference on Wednesday at the Tour Championship. Here’s a look at what he had to say, plus other news and notes from around the golf world.
Rory Rips LIV Golf, Touts Player Power
Rory McIlroy is not holding back on his thoughts about LIV Golf. The four-time major winner said in a press conference on Tuesday that he believes the rival league is “not good for the game” and that it is ”taking advantage” of players.
McIlroy also praised the PGA Tour for its response to LIV Golf. He said that the PGA Tour has “done a great job” of keeping its players together and that he is confident that the PGA Tour will continue to be the strongest golf tour in the world.
McIlroy’s comments come as LIV Golf is preparing to launch its third event of the season. The event will be held at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey from July 29-31.
LIV Golfers Unimpressed by Rory’s Comments
Some LIV Golfers have criticized Rory McIlroy’s comments, stating that he is “out of touch” with a lot of players who have left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
Brooks Koepka, who recently joined LIV Golf, said that he believes McIlroy is entitled to his opinion but that he does not agree with him. Koepka said that he left the PGA Tour because he was unhappy with the direction the tour was heading and that he is happy with his decision to join LIV Golf.
Koepka’s Comments on PGA Tour
| PGA Tour | LIV Golf |
|:–:|:–:|
| “Direction the tour was heading” | “Satisfied with LIV Golf” |
| McIlroy’s opinion | “Entitled to his opinion” |
Ryder Cupper returns, Augusta in ‘recovery mode’
In other news, Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will return to competitive golf for the first time since the Masters at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas from December 1-4. Woods has not played since he withdrew from the PGA Championship in May due to a plantar fasciitis injury.
The Hero World Challenge will be Woods’ first event since he was seriously injured in a car accident in February 2021. Woods has been slowly recovering from his injuries and has said that he is excited to get back to playing competitive golf.
In other news, Augusta National Golf Club is in ”recovery mode” after hosting the Masters Tournament in April. The club is closed to the public until October as it works to repair damage to the course caused by heavy rain and flooding during the tournament.
Italian Rookie Francesco Molinari Bounces Back to Make Winning Ryder Cup Return
Francesco Molinari made a winning return to the Ryder Cup team, bouncing back from a disappointing performance at Whistling Straits last year to help Europe to victory at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. The Italian rookie played a key role in Europe’s success, winning three points from his four matches.
Molinari’s performance was all the more impressive given that he had struggled for form in the months leading up to the Ryder Cup. He had missed the cut in three of his previous four events and had not won a tournament since the 2019 Open Championship. However, he found his best form when it mattered most, and his victory over Scottie Scheffler in the singles was one of the key moments of the match.
Molinari’s resurgence is a reminder that even the best players in the world can go through tough times. However, it is also a testament to his resilience and determination. He never gave up on himself, and he eventually found his way back to the winner’s circle.
“It’s been a tough year,” Molinari said after his victory. “But I never stopped believing in myself. I knew that if I kept working hard, I would eventually turn things around. This win is a huge confidence boost, and I hope it can be the start of a new chapter in my career.”
Molinari’s victory is also a reminder of the importance of team play. He was a key part of the European team, and he played his part in helping them to victory.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this team,” Molinari said. “We all played our hearts out, and we deserved to win.”
Champions Dinner Dessert: Augusta Nationals Famed Greens Are Still Recovery Mode
- One of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in golf is the velvety-smooth greens at Augusta National Golf Club. However, the greens have suffered some heat damage during the past summer and are still in recovery mode. This was evident during the Champions Dinner on the eve of the Tour Championship, when the greens were noticeably slower than usual.
- According to sources, the greens are being carefully nursed back to health by the club’s renowned agronomy team, led by Matt Collens. They are taking a cautious approach, using a combination of aeration, topdressing, and light watering to encourage the grass to recover.
- The greens are expected to be fully recovered by the time the Masters Tournament rolls around in April 2023. However, it is possible that they may not be at their peak for the event. The club is monitoring the situation closely and will make adjustments to the maintenance plan as needed.
- In the meantime, fans can still enjoy the beauty of Augusta National’s greens, even if they are not quite as fast as they used to be. The club’s pristine fairways, towering pines, and sparkling azaleas are sure to provide a stunning backdrop for the Tour Championship.
Rory McIlroy spoke candidly about LIV Golf at this week’s Tour Championship, while several former Ryder Cup mainstays returned to the PGA Tour. Augusta National Golf Club is also reportedly undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2023 Masters Tournament. These were just a few of the many storylines that made headlines during this week’s edition of the Monday Finish.
