McIlroy quits PGA Tour board

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy said his sudden and surprising decision to resign from the PGA Tour policy board was because he had so many commitments «something had to give.»

Following an opening round of one-under-par 71 at the $10.5 million DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy explained his move.

Rory McIlroy AFP FILE PHOTO

«There are only so many hours in the day, and there are only so many days in the week, and I've got a lot going on in my life right now,» McIlroy said.

«I am trying to be a world-class golfer, trying to be a good husband and a good father. I've got a growing investment portfolio that's taken up more of my time, I'm involved with the TGL. I've got a lot of stuff going on,» said the world number two.

«With the policy board stuff, obviously, it's taken more of my time than ever this year. I just feel like there are people that are there that are able to spend more time and put more energy into it than I am right now. And it's better if someone else takes that spot of mine.»

A decision on PGA Tour's Framework of Agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund is due before December 31, but McIlroy did not think it was a bad time for him to leave.

«I think the process is in good hands,» he said.

«The PGA Tour agreed to let a sixth player on the policy board, so the players are the ones that are going to control the future anyway. So, I sort of felt comfortable enough to step down, because there are guys on that board that are able to dedicate the time and the energy into it.»