Rory McIlroy proves Padraig Harrington's point as he owns up before PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy has excelled on the course since pulling back from politics, a move suggested by Padraig Harrington. So far in 2025, has been in formidable form, clinching victory at the Players Championship before making history with his triumph to complete a grand slam of major championships.

The Northern Irish ace's superb form has coincided with him stepping away from the saga between the and the Saudi-funded LIV Golf series. Despite initially being a vocal critic, McIlroy has softened his stance and made calls for unity within the sport. After resigning from the PGA Tour's policy board in November 2023, McIlroy's brief attempt to re-enter as a player director was knocked back by fellow players in early 2024. His former Ryder Cup colleague, Harrington, felt it was a blessing in disguise. Speaking on the Golf Channel at the time, the Irishman said: "It takes a lot of time, dedication and sacrifice to play this game at this level.

"The best thing that could have happened is Rory not getting back on that board. He was being soft by going back to it. It's not the distraction he needs, he needs to be out there playing golf."

While it is not certain if McIlroy directly followed Harrington's counsel, it is clear that his focus is on his game while exhaustive talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's PIF continue. McIlroy, speaking at the Truist Championship where he secured a tied-seventh finish, was asked if he felt he was benefitting from focusing purely on on-course matters.

He said: "I think so. [I'm] Certainly not involved too much in the politics of everything. You know, being on the board of this tour and just talking about changes to the Tour Championship and all that, like I have no idea what's going on. I think at this point, I don't care.

"I want to play golf, and the reason I got into this game was to shoot scores and try to play the best golf possible, and not really be concerned about how the tour is run or the business of the tour."

"It was good to do it [be on the board]. It was a great experience. But I'm happy with where I'm at right now."

Meanwhile, looking ahead to the US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, McIlroy shared his sense of relief after his epic Masters win, saying: "It [expectation] does feel lighter. I am going there after winning my first major in a decade.

"With where that puts me in the argument of some of the best players ever, it is very, very cool. I'm not going there saying 'I don't care' but it is more relaxed. I am excited to get there. I feel my game is in good shape."