Rory McIlroy seizes lead at TPC Sawgrass amid controversy and struggle
Published in Golf
Despite McIlroy’s fast start, Schauffele’s bogey-free 65 may have been even more impressive.
Just two days earlier, he and McIlroy found themselves on opposite sides following embattled commissioner Jay Monahan’s annual address on the state of the Tour.
“He’s got a long way to go to gain the trust of the membership,” Schauffele said.
The departure of top players to rival LIV Golf, including 2022 Players champion Cameron Smith, has left PGA Tour leadership scrambling. Six of the top 80 in the Official World Golf Ranking are LIV golfers ineligible for The Players, including Smith, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka.
“I don’t think it helps the tournament,” Schauffele said.
McIlroy, though, praised Monahan’s record of ushering the Tour through COVID, the recent $1.5 billion deal with the Strategic Sports Group and the strategic alliance with the DP World Tour, where McIlroy cut his teeth as a teen in Northern Ireland.
“The PGA Tour is in a far stronger position than when Jay took over,” McIlroy said.
A day without controversy, distress or debate at its biggest event would be a good start.
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