European Tour golfer Eddie Pepperell has been giving his reaction to the latest comments from Rory McIlroy on the PGA and LIV Tours.
McIlroy appeared on the Stick to Football podcast this week to discuss a number of golf issues alongside Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher.
McIlroy spoke about his relationship with Tiger Woods off the course, as well as his friendship with Shane Lowry.
However, the crux of the conversation was around the LIV and PGA Tour issues. And speaking about McIlroy’s comments, fellow golfer Pepperell has given his reaction.
Eddie Pepperell reacts to Rory McIlroy’s podcast comments
Speaking about McIlroy’s interview on The Chipping Forecast podcast, Pepperell was in support of McIlroy’s stance and admitted it’s a shame he feels his influence has waned a touch.
“Yeah I think I believe him when he says the latter to concentrate on his own golf. And I think in that interview he also mentions the guys on the PGA Tour who don’t want there to be a coming together because of things what have happened in the past. Likewise guys on the LIV side who don’t want to come back to the PGA Tour because of how they’ve been treated. I think those two masses of people are quite substantial. And that’s what makes a coming together or any agreement at this point unlikely. There’s a lot to be ironed out,” Pepperell said.
“As Rory said, there are egos involved and there’s more than that. There’s a lot ill-feeling out there and I think Rory is treading those two lines right now and treading them capably because he’s intelligent enough to do so. But I agree with everything he said. There wasn’t a lot of new things he said but I think we agree. The fact Rory’s not going have as much influence in it is a shame on balance for golf. But if that means another 10/20% of focus going into his golf I think that’s a good thing.”
McIlroy always captures attention
Given his star power in the sporting world, whenever Rory McIlroy speaks, people will listen. And if Rory McIlroy is speaking on a high-profile podcast like Stick to Football, then it’s going to find even more ears.
Pepperell’s reaction here is pretty much just like ever golf fan in the world would react. The respect for McIlroy is there for all to see. And it’s no surprised the Englishman has backed him.
As the year goes on, we’ll hear more and more from McIlroy and whatever he says is always going to make big news. Especially given the LIV and PGA dynamic.
With 2024 only just underway, we can expect to hear plenty more from Rory and others as the season unfolds.
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