Rory McIlroy rules out joining new Premier Golf League

Rory McIlroy says “I’m out” to the proposed Premier Golf League.

The world’s best golfers including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have been briefed by backers of a new Premier Golf League hoping to lure big names to the proposed 18-tournament world tour.

Geoff Shackelford reported that a bunch of golfers playing last week’s Genesis Invitational were briefed on the structure of the proposed new tour close to the 13th hole at Riviera Country Club.

I can report that among the seven attendees were Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed. They heard a presentation from Premier League backers inside the 13th hole-adjacent home of asset manager Ahmed Tayeb and his wife, art collector Cherine Magrabi-Tayeb.

On site rumors were flying that Mickelson was ready to reach a decision on the proposed league last week. Since he’d almost assuredly be a founding team captain and a major draw even as he nears 50, Mickelson’s verdict could make or break the proposed Tour.

Rory McIlroy is the first player to make his decision public telling reporters at the WGC Mexico Championship that he has decided to stick with the PGA Tour rather than committing to a more lucrative world golf tour.

“For me, I’m out. My position is I’m against it until there may come a day that I can’t be against it,” said McIlroy.

“If everyone else goes, I might not have a choice, but at this point, I don’t like what they’re proposing.”