Former policy board member: ‘Experience’ should replace Rory

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – Rory McIlroy’s resignation from the PGA Tour’s policy board surprised many, including former player director Kevin Streelman, who fully understands the unique pressures that come with the position.

“I get it, he wants to focus a little more on his golf and not being asked so much about the business side of things, but it’s an important part of our business as well,” said Streelman, who served on the policy board from 2017-19. “We need people who are willing and able to do it. I get it, but you know what you signed up for, too.”

McIlroy told reporters this week at the DP World Tour finale that “something had to give” between his responsibilities as a world class player, father, husband, businessman and player director.

The board held its final meeting of the year on Monday and a memo sent to players outlined how intense that meeting was, with ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to reach a definitive agreement as well as “dozens” of other potential offers from private equity.

According to Tour regulations, the final year of McIlroy’s term on the board will be filled by another player elected by the remaining player directors – Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Webb Simpson and Peter Malnati.

“I think Charley [Hoffman] should stay on. He’s just so in the know, he’s so versed in what’s been going down. At this time it would take more education to bring someone new on. He would stay right in the middle of it,” Streelman said. “But if he’s like, this has been too much, I’d totally understand that. If they wanted someone younger I’d understand that as well, but I think at this time we need some experience. Someone who has been there before.”

Hoffman is set to be replaced on the board next year by Adam Scott, who served as chairman of the Player Advisory Council this season.