The Wednesday morning coffee was still brewing and the dew was still heavy on the grass when Rory McIlroy stepped behind an outdoor interview podium and joked to the gathered media that he was glad to have stirred the group to action at such an early hour.
The Players Championship begins Thursday here at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course, and McIlroy finds himself in the familiar place of drawing eyes and ears in his direction. His game is flirting with the form that has produced 24 PGA Tour victories, and his perspective helps frame the fractious times in professional golf.
Scottie Scheffler is the No. 1 player in the world ranking, but McIlroy remains the most influential voice among players, given Tiger Woods’ rare appearances these days.
McIlroy, 34, of Northern Ireland, has widened his world view, at least as it concerns finding common ground with LIV Golf to assure the PGA Tour and the sport move forward. He has been criticized for changing his tune – his disdain for the new league’s approach having evolved into a more conciliatory tone regarding a potential future together – and he has not been shy about expressing his views.
He stepped away from the tour’s Policy Board last year but has remained engaged.
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