Rory McIlroy's Resignation Stuns PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour's Policy Board.

His decision, which was unexpected, was revealed in a memo to the tour's players issued by commissioner Jay Monahan, who thanked the golfer "for his dedication and commitment to the tour".

At a time of uncertainty in the men's game, McIlroy has been a consistent critic of the breakaway LIV tour.

But McIlroy revealed he felt like he had been treated like "a sacrificial lamb" after a secret agreement between the main US and European tours and the Saudi Public Investment Fund was announced during the summer

Since then, the Northern Irishman has been more reluctant to comment on the ongoing negotiations to settle the game's future. 

McIlroy said this week "No one on the outside has any details. Loose lips sink ships, so we are trying to keep it tight and within walls. I'm sure when there's news to tell, it will be told."

But he gave gave no indication that he was about to step down from the Policy Board. Monahan's memo later the same day confirmed the four-time major champion's departure from one of the most influential positions in the game.

"Rory's resignation letter, which he sent to the full board, clearly stated that the difficult decision was made due to professional and personal commitments," Monahan wrote.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

McIlroy had served on the tour's Player Advisory Council between 2019 and 2021, acting as chairman for the final year of that spell. He then became a player director on the board.

"During his tenure, Rory's insight has been instrumental in helping shape the success of the tour, and his willingness to thoughtfully voice his opinions has been especially impactful," Monahan added.

"Given the extraordinary time and effort that Rory - and all his fellow player directors - have invested in this unprecedented, transformational period in our history, we certainly understand and respect his decision to step down in order to focus on his game and his family."

Masters champion Jon Rahm immediately ruled himself out as a candidate to replace McIlroy on the board.