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McIlroy dismisses potential Saudi breakaway as "money grab"

Rory McIlroy has described Super Golf League proposals as a "money grab".  For the second time in as...


McIlroy dismisses potential Sa...

Sport

McIlroy dismisses potential Saudi breakaway as "money grab"


Rory McIlroy has described Super Golf League proposals as a "money grab". 

For the second time in as many years, the prospect of a breakaway tour backed by Saudi Arabian money has reared its head.

Last year, McIlroy said he "did not like where the money was coming from" regarding the potential breakaway league.

Tiger Woods also admitted to being approached last year for an 18-event global tour with a $240-million (€200m) total prize fund. Organisers - World Golf Group - were seeking to recruit 48 of the world's top golfers with ten events of the eighteen to be based in the United States.

"They first contacted me back in 2014, so this is seven years down the line and nothing has really changed," said McIlroy ahead of this week's Wells Fargo Championship.

"Maybe the source of the money has changed or the people that are in charge have changed, but nothing has happened.

"If you go back to what happened last week in Europe with the European Super League in football, people can see it for what it is, which is a money grab, which is fine if that's what you're playing golf for is to make as much money as possible. Totally fine, then go and do that if that's what makes you happy.

"But I'm playing this game to try to cement my place in history and my legacy and to win major championships and to win the biggest tournaments in the world.

"I honestly don't think there's a better structure in place in golf, and I don't think there will be.

"You have the strategic partnership as well between Europe and the PGA Tour and that's only going to strengthen the structure of golf going forward as well in terms of scheduling and all sorts of other stuff and working together a little bit more.

"I don't think it was a coincidence that the news came out yesterday just as the PGA Tour was having their annual player meeting and Jay addressing the membership.

"Yeah, I think you all know my feelings on it and I'm very much against it. I don't see why anyone would be for it."

Earlier this year, McIlroy was named the first non-American chair of the PGA Tour's player advisory council.

The Telegraph have reported that world no.1 Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose have been approached for the latest iteration of the Super League Golf.

Eye-watering sums of money have been quoted as potential incentives, but the PGA Tour are threatening expulsion to anyone signing on with the breakaway.

Speaking to the Golf Channel at Quail Hollow, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said Super League Golf rebels "will face immediate suspension and likely permanent expulsion from the Tour".

Arteta | ‘The only purpose of fan protests is to defend the club’



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Jay Monahan PGA Tour Rory McIlroy Saudi Arabia Super Golf League

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