Rory McIlroy once carried the burden of being the next Tiger Woods. He never quite hit those heights — who could? — but he’s becoming something equally notable: guardian of golf’s vast history.
At 33, McIlroy is old enough to have played in more than 50 majors, yet young enough to still compete in them regularly. (Well, three days of every four, but still.) That, combined with a clear love of the game’s history, gives him a perspective that encompasses both “things were better in the good ol’ days” and “where’s my next check coming from?”
With the benefit of that perspective — along with four majors, plus many millions in career earnings — McIlroy has planted his flag firmly in the camp of the PGA Tour in its battle with the upstart LIV Golf endeavor.