Woods flew to Wilmington, Delaware, to attend the gathering of the best PGA Tour players held ahead of the BMW Championship, despite not qualifying for the second FedEx Cup playoff event this week.
“It’s impressive,” said McIlroy, a four-time Major winner. “I think it shows how much he cares about the Tour. I think it shows how much he cares about the players that are going to come through and be the next generation.”
Woods returned to action at the Masters in April after a 17-month absence following a car accident in February 2021 that left him with serious leg injuries.
Although McIlroy acknowledged that the PGA Tour was “entering a different era” as Wood’s career waned, he said the legendary American is still one of the most influential figures in golf.
“He’s the hero we all looked up to and his voice carries further than anyone else in the game of golf.
Many high-profile players have left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf – including big winners Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka – lured by the $250 million in prize money and an attempt to reform the PGA Tour.
They have been criticized by fellow players for abandoning golf’s traditions and accepting money from a country condemned by human rights groups.
“I do not agree with that [the players’ decision to join LIV Golf]said Woods ahead of the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews in July. “I think they have turned away from what allowed them to get to that position.”
In response to LIV Golf’s existential threat, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour – formerly the European Tour – have suspended anyone who has joined the Breakaway Series, though the majors have so far allowed all qualified golfers to continue playing at these events.
Earlier this month, a US federal judge ruled in favor of the PGA Tour, denying three LIV golfers – Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones – an injunction allowing them to play in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
“A productive meeting”
Former world No. 1 Justin Thomas also paid tribute to Woods’ role in the “productive” meeting, which reportedly lasted three and a half hours.
“It’s huge. If anyone likes [Woods] is passionate about it, nothing for all of us, that’s really all that matters,” said Thomas in his press conference ahead of the BMW Championship.
“If he’s not behind something then it’s probably not a good idea to improve the game, but it just won’t work.”
Both Thomas and McIlroy were reluctant to reveal the details of the players’ meeting, but indicated an agreement had been reached.
“All the top players agree on where we should go,” McIlroy said. “And that was great.
“We need to get the top guys together more often than we do … I’m talking about everyone in the same tournaments, all in the same weeks.”