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ST ANDREWS, Scotland, July 12 (Reuters) – Rory McIlroy believes it would be best for the game of golf if he won the 150th Open but said on Tuesday he wouldn’t do it for a player in the rebellious LIV Invitational Series resent claiming the Claret Jug if that were the case.
The image of a golfer from the breakaway circuit holding up the coveted trophy at sundown at the Home of Golf would be a powerful and marketing coup for the LIV series, which has branded itself as the new era of golf.
Despite a steady exodus of high-profile members, including big winners Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka, to the controversial Saudi-backed venture, the PGA and DP Tours boast that their tournament grounds remain the best the sport has to offer has to offer.
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That claim would suffer if a LIV series player took home golf’s most celebrated trophy.
“Selfishly, for me, yeah, I think it would be better for the game,” McIlroy told reporters. “But at the end of the day, everyone who’s here has an equal opportunity to go out there and try to win a Claret Jug, no matter what tour they’re on or whatever that is.
“I won’t blame anyone if they win the Claret Jug and play on a different tour than me.”
McIlroy was one of the most vocal supporters of the PGA Tour and one of the in-form golfers who turned up for The Open, making the Northern Irishman a hot betting favorite and possibly the ideal champion.
The four-time Major winner wasn’t shy about offering his opinions on the LIV series, taking a shot at some of those who jumped into the big-money circuit and CEO Greg Norman, a two-time Open champion who was informed by the organizers of the Royal & Ancient to stay away so as not to distract from the 150th anniversary celebrations.
With two wins this season and top-10 finishes in the three majors, including a Masters runner-up, McIlroy is also considered the man to beat at St Andrews.
“I’m playing well. I’m in good shape,” he said. “My confidence in my game is higher than it has been for a long time.
“I can’t walk in here thinking this might be my time. I just have to go out there and play a really good tournament.
“Hearing your name and gold medal winner, Champion Golfer of the Year, that’s what dreams are made of.”
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Report by Steve Keating at St Andrews. Edited by Christian Radnedge
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