Rory McIlroy wanted to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board before being rejected, but his former Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington feels he should remain out of politics.
Padraig Harrington has advised Rory McIlroy to keep away from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf issue in order to safeguard his on-course performance.
McIlroy resigned from the PGA Tour’s policy board last November, but has expressed interest in returning as a player director in recent weeks. His comeback application was later denied by the current crop of player directors, but Harrington sees this as a blessing in disguise for the four-time major winner.
“It takes a lot of time, dedication, and sacrifice to play this game at this level,” the Irishman explained to Golf Channel. “The best thing that could have happened is that Rory [McIlroy] did not get back on the board. He was being soft by returning to it. It’s not the distraction he needs; he should be out there playing golf.”
And Harrington may have a point, too, as famed instructor Butch Harmon recently repeated the former Ryder Cup captain’s thoughts regarding the value of effort.
Harmon worked with Tiger Woods and Greg Norman, who were the world’s top golfers for the longest periods of time. The renowned coach recently discussed the reasons for both Woods’ longevity and dominance, emphasizing their capacity to work harder than others.
“One thing I will tell you about the best players in the world,” the 80-year-old coach told On The Road with Iona. “I took two of them to No. 1 and they stayed there for a long time. Greg Norman and Tiger Woods. They outworked everyone and worked harder than everyone. That’s because they wanted to remain there.”
McIlroy’s work ethic to become one of the greatest players of his time is undeniable, despite his recent separation between on-course and off-course commitments. The Northern Irishman is frequently one of the earliest to arrive on tournament days, juggling his workouts in the gym with his golf game on the practice range, especially when things don’t go as planned.
McIlroy himself turned to Harmon this year to get his game in the finest possible shape for the Masters in April, the only major trophy left from his resume. Harmon emphasized the Northern Irishman’s determination to cross the finish line at Augusta, saying, “We all know how much he wants it.
“This is his opportunity to complete the Career Grand Slam. This is the only one missing. He’s had opportunities before, but they’ve slipped away. So I told him how to relax, enjoy himself, and live in the moment… It sounds simple, but he wants it so badly that he puts unnecessary pressure on himself. He only needs to relax and play golf, which is simple to say because he wants it so badly.”