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With an Extremely Bold Commitment, Rory McIlroy ‘Selfishly’ Risks Triggering Justin Thomas, While Siding With Tiger Woods

Published 03/22/2023, 10:53 AM EDT

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There may hardly be a golfer more notable than Rory McIlroy in this generation. The golfer has used his immense popularity for voicing his thoughts on the latest happenings in the sport. With the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Royal Ancient Club of St. Andrews (R&A) proposing a Model Local Rule (MLR), McIlroy shared his thoughts on the major alteration in golf, which were quite similar to Tiger Woods.

Earlier this month, the USGA and R&A, who organizes the US Open and Open Championship respectively, proposed the idea of reducing the size of the golf ball in the two Majors. The main objective of the governing bodies was to lessen the yardage for the golfers.

However, the proposition was negatively welcomed by professional golfers such as Justin Thomas. He claimed to be disappointed with the proposal and even labeled USGA as ‘Selfish’. Nonetheless, 15-times Major winner, Tiger Woods liked the idea of reduced yardage back in 2017. As McIlroy joined the list of golfers who’ve shared their thoughts on the MLR proposal, what did he have to say about it?

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Rory McIlroy shares similar thoughts on MLR as Tiger Woods

Rory has been always been blunt with his thoughts. He has always defended the PGA Tour when it comes to speaking against the latter’s nemesis, LIV Golf. Nonetheless, while speaking on the USGA and R&A’s latest proposal, unlike many others, McIlroy gave the controversial idea a green light.

via Imago

Selfishly, I think it helps me”, claimed the former world number one in a recent interview with No Laying Up. According to the MLR policy, a reduction in the size of the golf ball will decrease the distance of the drive by 15 to 20 yards. Rory said, “I think it’s going to help the overall professional game”.

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He further added, “I think making guys hit some long irons again, and some mid irons, and being able to hit every club in your bag in a round of golf”. As per McIlroy’s theory, golfers would like to use more of their irons in their follow-up shots, since it is rare for players to use them these days. However, he is still unclear if the MLR proposal will eventually bring his desired change.

Rory ended by saying, “I don’t know if this change in the ball will make us do that, but it certainly is a step closer to that”. While most of spoken again the USGA and R&A, the Northern Irish golfer has shown his support for the governing bodies similar to his good friend Tiger Woods, while also creating chances of igniting a cold war with Justin Thomas.

Nonetheless, will the MLR lead to players using all of their clubs, we have to wait till 2026. What are your thoughts on the MLR proposal? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Written by:

Abdul Bari Khan

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Abdul Bari is a Golf writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Abdul is currently pursuing his Master’s in the same. With great affection for the world of sports, this avid golf lover turned to the course at a young age.
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Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

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