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PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy is going viral at the Genesis Scottish Open. The golfer was heard taking yet another shot at LIV, while also giving his thoughts on new age vs. old age golf equipment.
A number of fans loved the commentary, particularly to a question asking if the game of golf has become “too easy.”
The immediate headline came from his still ongoing battle with LIV Golf. Despite the recent merger with the PGA Tour, McIlroy’s stance towards the league hasn’t changed.
Like many PGA stars, he was unhappy to hear about the news.
After loyally backing his tour for months, McIlroy was stabbed in the back by the very man that pegged him as the PGA’s figurehead in the battle against LIV.
But while PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan changed his tune, McIlroy has not. Rory let that be known at the Scottish Open this week.
He was asked about a proposal to make him, along with Tiger Woods, a LIV Golf team owner. To that idea, he offered a blunt response.
“If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth I would retire, that’s how I feel about it,” McIlroy said while speaking with the media. “I’d play the majors, but I’d be pretty comfortable [not playing].”
Fans took immediate note of the jab.
Mad respect for Rory!
— Salsa Verde 🥶 (@GilliamRobby) July 13, 2023
He’s still sticking to his guns.
Quote of the day, spot on. A true man of character. #PGATour https://t.co/D3Za3gav3d
— Timothy J Stivrins (@TJStivrins) July 13, 2023
While the LIV comments made the most noise, they weren’t the only reason golf fans were talking.
Rory seen using Persimmon club ahead of stellar first round at Scottish Open.
We all know about McIlroy’s ridiculous power off the tee. I mean, this is a man that drove a tee shot 436 yards in this event a few years back.
Rory’s 436 yard drive from back in 2014 🤯#GenesisScottishOpen | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/DcFvrHQaeI
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 12, 2023
That impressive power has been further amplified by the continuing advancements in golf technology, but McIlroy wouldn’t mind seeing a return to the days of old.
Can’t beat the feeling of hitting out of the screws with a persimmon driver. pic.twitter.com/2anUxWwkZE
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) July 12, 2023
He was asked about the Persimmon club this week with a reporter asking, “Has the game gotten too easy with carbon and technology? Do you want to go back to old school?”
“Roll back the clubs, roll back the ball, roll back everything,” McIlroy responded.
The golf world absolutely loved that answer.
This stuff actually has me pumped on roll back, so long as it is for everyone
— Matt Graeff (@mattgraeffgolf) July 13, 2023
“Much more interesting golf with the better players actually having an advantage,” this follower wrote.
Made the backswing slow down. Persimmon woods and blades make everyone swing better. Roll back the clubs!
— Michael G. Dorman (@Michael_Dorman_) July 12, 2023
“I think that Rory’s driving advantage would be magnified,” another person said.
Would gladly watch a tournament or event where tour pros play with persimmons.
— David Amelotti (@DavidAmelottiTV) July 12, 2023
While Rory might want to return to the clubs of yesteryear, he’s doing just fine with the new technology at the Scottish Open. After a stellar opening round, McIlroy sits in a tie for second at -6.