Golf star Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour's board in order to concentrate on his game and spend more time with his family, multiple US media reports said Tuesday. The New York Times cited a statement from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and board chairman Edward Herlihy confirming McIlroy's decision to step down.

"Given the extraordinary time and effort that Rory — and all of his fellow player directors — have invested in the tour during this unprecedented, transformational period in our history, we certainly understand and respect his decision to step down in order to focus on his game and his family," Monahan and Herlihy said in the statement.

McIlroy's resignation is another sign of the turmoil that has gripped golf since the emergence of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf circuit last year. The 34-year-old four-time major winner had been one of the staunchest allies of the PGA Tour during its bitter civil war with LIV, reportedly turning down a huge offer to join the free-spending series.

However McIlroy was among those players left stunned in June when the PGA Tour announced that it was forming a joint company with LIV's Saudi paymasters, effectively bringing the dispute to an end. McIlroy later revealed he had no knowledge of the talks that led to the tie-up between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl/news-buffalo-bills-shaq-lawson-reveals-reason-behind-shoving-philadelphia-eagles-fan-during-week-12-game-664305">Buffalo Bills' Shaq Lawson reveals reason behind shoving Philadelphia Eagles fan during Week 12 game</a>

After relentlessly going in to bat on behalf of the PGA Tour during the LIV saga, McIlroy made it plain he felt let down by a deal sealed behind his back. "It's hard for me to not sit up here and feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb and feeling like I've put myself out there and this is what happens," McIlroy said at the Canadian Open in June.

However McIlroy admitted that attempting to fend off the billions Saudi Arabia was prepared to throw at golf had become futile. "Honestly, I've just resigned myself to the fact that this is, you know, this is what's going to happen," he said.&nbsp;

"It's very hard to keep up with people that have more money than anyone else. And, again, if they want to put that money into the game of golf, then why don't we partner with them and make sure that it's done in the right way? And that's sort of where my head's at."

Golf star Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour's board in order to concentrate on his game and spend more time with his family, multiple US media reports said Tuesday.

Golf star Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour's board in order to concentrate on his game and spend more time with his family, multiple US media reports said Tuesday. The New York Times cited a statement from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and board chairman Edward Herlihy confirming McIlroy's decision to step down. "Given the extraordinary time and effort that Rory — and all of his fellow player directors — have invested in the tour during this unprecedented, transformational period in our history, we certainly understand and respect his decision to step down in order to focus on his game and his family," Monahan and Herlihy said in the statement. McIlroy's resignation is another sign of the turmoil that has gripped golf since the emergence of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf circuit last year. The 34-year-old four-time major winner had been one of the staunchest allies of the PGA Tour during its bitter civil war with LIV, reportedly turning down a huge offer to join the free-spending series. However McIlroy was among those players left stunned in June when the PGA Tour announced that it was forming a joint company with LIV's Saudi paymasters, effectively bringing the dispute to an end. McIlroy later revealed he had no knowledge of the talks that led to the tie-up between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Also Read: Buffalo Bills' Shaq Lawson reveals reason behind shoving Philadelphia Eagles fan during Week 12 game After relentlessly going in to bat on behalf of the PGA Tour during the LIV saga, McIlroy made it plain he felt let down by a deal sealed behind his back. "It's hard for me to not sit up here and feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb and feeling like I've put myself out there and this is what happens," McIlroy said at the Canadian Open in June. However McIlroy admitted that attempting to fend off the billions Saudi Arabia was prepared to throw at golf had become futile. "Honestly, I've just resigned myself to the fact that this is, you know, this is what's going to happen," he said. "It's very hard to keep up with people that have more money than anyone else. And, again, if they want to put that money into the game of golf, then why don't we partner with them and make sure that it's done in the right way? And that's sort of where my head's at."

Golf: Rory McIlroy resigns from PGA Tour board, says US media report

Viktor Hovland shrugged off severe heat and a storm delay to seize a six-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship.

The 25-year-old Norwegian fired a four-under par 66 to stand on 20-under after 54 holes at East Lake in Atlanta with American Xander Schauffele a distant second.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/major-league-soccer-messi-scores-after-coming-off-bench-as-inter-miami-beat-new-york-red-bulls-629597">Major League Soccer: Messi scores after coming off bench as Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls</a>

Temperatures soared near 100 degrees (37.7 Celsuis) before a late-round storm stoppage, but neither weather nor rivals could slow fifth-ranked Hovland, who won last week's BMW Championship and became the man to beat for the $18 million top prize.

Americans Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley shared third on 13-under with Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain sharing fifth on 11-under with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and his US countryman Wyndham Clark, the US Open champion.

Starting scores in the FedEx Cup playoff finale were staggered based on season points, with top-ranked Scheffler at 10-under, Hovland next at 8-under and rivals at lesser levels.

Hovland shot 68 and 64 to share the lead after the first and second rounds, aided by the unique format.

Tokyo Olympic champion Schauffele, who has never fired an over-par round at East Lake, shot 68 while Hovland made five birdies against a lone bogey.

Hovland was about to tee off at the 12th with a four-stroke lead when a storm halted play for 75 minutes.

When he resumed, Hovland found the fairway and green then hit a 10-foot birdie putt and followed by sinking a 22-foot birdie putt at 13 to reach 20-under and lead Schauffele by six.

Hovland took his first bogey at 14, finding the left rough and pitching to the green then missing a 22-foot par putt from the fringe.

Schauffele answered a bogey at the par-3 15th with a 12-foot birdie putt at 16 to stay five adrift but Hovland responded with a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-3 15th, stretching the lead back to six.

Hovland lipped out on a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th but still matched the largest 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour this season.

It's also the same margin Rory McIlroy rallied from last year to defeat Scheffler and win the Tour Championship.

<h2>First bogey a double</h2>

Morikawa, who hadn't made a bogey all week, shared the lead with Hovland at 16-under until a double bogey at the par-4 fifth -- finding greenside rough, chipping into a bunker, blasting out and two putting.

Schauffele made a 14-foot birdie putt from the fringe at seven to pull within one but Hovland birdied the par-5 sixth from three feet and Schauffele made bogey at the par-4 eighth, taking four to reach the green, to leave Hovland three ahead.

Hovland sank a birdie putt at seven from just beyond 11 feet and kept a four-stroke edge at the turn after Schauffele holed an eight-foot birdie at 10 but made bogey at 12 after his tee shot landed behind a tree.

Morikawa, a two-time major winner who hasn't won since the 2021 DP World Tour Championship at Dubai, fired a 73 to fall back.

McIlroy, a four-time major champion battling a back injury,&nbsp;shot 71 and was 11 off the pace.

Scheffler, this year's Players champion and last year's Masters winner, fired a 73.

Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship winner, shot 70. Rahm fired a 71.

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Viktor Hovland shrugged off severe heat and a storm delay to seize a six-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship.

Viktor Hovland shrugged off severe heat and a storm delay to seize a six-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship. The 25-year-old Norwegian fired a four-under par 66 to stand on 20-under after 54 holes at East Lake in Atlanta with American Xander Schauffele a distant second. Also Read: Major League Soccer: Messi scores after coming off bench as Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls Temperatures soared near 100 degrees (37.7 Celsuis) before a late-round storm stoppage, but neither weather nor rivals could slow fifth-ranked Hovland, who won last week's BMW Championship and became the man to beat for the $18 million top prize. Americans Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley shared third on 13-under with Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain sharing fifth on 11-under with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and his US countryman Wyndham Clark, the US Open champion. Starting scores in the FedEx Cup playoff finale were staggered based on season points, with top-ranked Scheffler at 10-under, Hovland next at 8-under and rivals at lesser levels. Hovland shot 68 and 64 to share the lead after the first and second rounds, aided by the unique format. Tokyo Olympic champion Schauffele, who has never fired an over-par round at East Lake, shot 68 while Hovland made five birdies against a lone bogey. Hovland was about to tee off at the 12th with a four-stroke lead when a storm halted play for 75 minutes. When he resumed, Hovland found the fairway and green then hit a 10-foot birdie putt and followed by sinking a 22-foot birdie putt at 13 to reach 20-under and lead Schauffele by six. Hovland took his first bogey at 14, finding the left rough and pitching to the green then missing a 22-foot par putt from the fringe. Schauffele answered a bogey at the par-3 15th with a 12-foot birdie putt at 16 to stay five adrift but Hovland responded with a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-3 15th, stretching the lead back to six. Hovland lipped out on a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th but still matched the largest 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour this season. It's also the same margin Rory McIlroy rallied from last year to defeat Scheffler and win the Tour Championship. First bogey a double Morikawa, who hadn't made a bogey all week, shared the lead with Hovland at 16-under until a double bogey at the par-4 fifth -- finding greenside rough, chipping into a bunker, blasting out and two putting. Schauffele made a 14-foot birdie putt from the fringe at seven to pull within one but Hovland birdied the par-5 sixth from three feet and Schauffele made bogey at the par-4 eighth, taking four to reach the green, to leave Hovland three ahead. Hovland sank a birdie putt at seven from just beyond 11 feet and kept a four-stroke edge at the turn after Schauffele holed an eight-foot birdie at 10 but made bogey at 12 after his tee shot landed behind a tree. Morikawa, a two-time major winner who hasn't won since the 2021 DP World Tour Championship at Dubai, fired a 73 to fall back. McIlroy, a four-time major champion battling a back injury, shot 71 and was 11 off the pace. Scheffler, this year's Players champion and last year's Masters winner, fired a 73. Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship winner, shot 70. Rahm fired a 71. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Viktor Hovland takes six-stroke lead after third round at PGA Tour Championship

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second major of the year.

“Well the thing is, we prefer not to talk too much about politics because at the end of the day that's what this is. The world of golf has become entrenched in politics unfortunately with different organisations vying for power and essentially. Retaining power or dictating terms essentially. It’s a sad situation that we find ourselves in,” said Lahiri while he exclusively spoke to WION.

There has been a conflict surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA where 16 golfers have pulled out of the PGA Championships. Paul Casey was the latest to join the casualty list with Sam Stevens taking his place instead at the 2023 PGA Championship in Oak Hill, Pittsford.

Speaking on the issue Lahiri opened up on the latest sitiaution surrounding the European tour where the situation is more dilute. &nbsp;

“Organisations are themselves now potentially compromising professional golfers and professional golf. So, what is happening is very sad. I am really glad that i am not an active European tour member right now, I haven't been for a while because it would have put me also in a very sticky situation. But for someone like lee, or Poulter or Henrick, these guys have been legends. They are Ryder cup legends, they have supported a lot of their home events. All that is suddenly forgotten. It is very very sad. It is very political and it is very unfortunate,” added Lahiri.

Speaking on his current run he reflected on how he usually started his season and why he found it hard to get started at the start of the season.

“I think I started off this season almost trying a little bit too hard. I was getting in my own way; I think that’s been something I’m guilty of over the many years that I have played professional golf. i think we all get really amped up and really excited when we start a season. I didn’t play that early in the year and I had to reset,” Lahiri added.

The current war of politics between PGA and LIB leaves only 16 golfers from the Saudi-backed league that will be present at Oak Hill this week. As things stand the following golfers from the LIV golf will take guards in the event starting from Thursday.

Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, Dean Burmester, Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri, Brendan Seele, Sihwan Kim.

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York.

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second major of the year. “Well the thing is, we prefer not to talk too much about politics because at the end of the day that's what this is. The world of golf has become entrenched in politics unfortunately with different organisations vying for power and essentially. Retaining power or dictating terms essentially. It’s a sad situation that we find ourselves in,” said Lahiri while he exclusively spoke to WION. There has been a conflict surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA where 16 golfers have pulled out of the PGA Championships. Paul Casey was the latest to join the casualty list with Sam Stevens taking his place instead at the 2023 PGA Championship in Oak Hill, Pittsford. Speaking on the issue Lahiri opened up on the latest sitiaution surrounding the European tour where the situation is more dilute. “Organisations are themselves now potentially compromising professional golfers and professional golf. So, what is happening is very sad. I am really glad that i am not an active European tour member right now, I haven't been for a while because it would have put me also in a very sticky situation. But for someone like lee, or Poulter or Henrick, these guys have been legends. They are Ryder cup legends, they have supported a lot of their home events. All that is suddenly forgotten. It is very very sad. It is very political and it is very unfortunate,” added Lahiri. Speaking on his current run he reflected on how he usually started his season and why he found it hard to get started at the start of the season. “I think I started off this season almost trying a little bit too hard. I was getting in my own way; I think that’s been something I’m guilty of over the many years that I have played professional golf. i think we all get really amped up and really excited when we start a season. I didn’t play that early in the year and I had to reset,” Lahiri added. The current war of politics between PGA and LIB leaves only 16 golfers from the Saudi-backed league that will be present at Oak Hill this week. As things stand the following golfers from the LIV golf will take guards in the event starting from Thursday. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, Dean Burmester, Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri, Brendan Seele, Sihwan Kim.

EXCLUSIVE | 'I didn’t play that early in the year and had to reset' - Anirban Lahiri reflects on his run

Tiger Woods on Monday announced that he will be withdrawing from this weekend's&nbsp;Hero World Challenge. Woods said he developed&nbsp;an injury to his right heel which forced him to sit out the charity tournament, here in the Bahamas.&nbsp;

After the&nbsp;announcement, the fans and the organisers were left rather disappointed as Woods hadn't been seen in action after appearing at St Andrews for The Open Championship in July.

The 15-time Major champion&nbsp;hosts the Hero World Challenge and it was supposed to be one of the three events he had been pencilled to take part in, till the end of the year. Skipping the event in the Bahamas is expected to affect Woods' official World Golf Ranking.&nbsp;

WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with&nbsp;Martin&nbsp;Dempster, chairman of the Association of Golf Writers and analysed the impact of Woods' withdrawal and if his 'aura' was fading.&nbsp;

"Two hours ago we were still&nbsp;confident that Tiger Woods was going to play this weekend. Then to see him put out a statement that he has got a problem...he will still be here as the host but we all are feeling a bit disappointed," said&nbsp;Dempster.&nbsp;

When asked if the buzz that the 46-year-old commanded on the golf turf was fading with&nbsp;injuries not healing and him being forced out of tournaments, Dempster said age was catching up with Woods.&nbsp;

"Very much so. No doubt age is a factor. All the injuries he has had, they are catching up now. But what we have seen from him this year -- I'm not surprised. He played at Masters and&nbsp;he did really well to play four rounds at Augusta. It was cold. Then the US PGA Championship. He struggled there. Sat out the US Open but was determined to be at St. Andrews for the 150th Open," said Dempster.&nbsp;

"This is a reminder to everyone that Tiger Woods is fragile these days. He is not Superman. He has never been. People have thought he is Superman. But as you get older, these things catch up."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kerry-packer-revolutionised-cricket-and-ipl-came-out-of-it-says-greg-norman-on-liv-golf-model-523306">Read more:&nbsp;Exclusive: Kerry Packer revolutionised cricket and IPL came out of it, says Greg Norman on LIV Golf model</a>

Quizzed if&nbsp;Tiger Woods still believed that he can come around and win major trophies by being on the tour for weeks, Dempster sounded optimistic,&nbsp;"If Tiger is fit on a given week, he still has the game. He hasn't been able to do that on a regular basis but Phil Mickelson won a major at 50. Tiger Woods would love to take that record away from him."

"Tiger has proved strong in the past when he came back and won the masters. We should never write off. But as he gets older with the injuries, especially that car crash -- we have to be careful what we expect from him in the next year or coming five years," added Dempster.&nbsp;

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With injuries taking a toll on Woods' body, questions have been arising if the golfing talisman might be transitioning to a leadership role on the PGA tour. Dempster said that PGA may be looking to lean on him.&nbsp;

"All through his career, he has been a big influence. All the players look up to him. Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, all these players have so much respect for him. They know that the platform they play on today has been created by Tiger. He has had a lot more time on his hands lately.&nbsp;There has been a lot of good things going around in golf. He&nbsp;has been to meeting and PGA may be looking to lean onto Tiger to get his advice and support over the next few weeks."

Asked if Woods will be doing exhibitions as his playing career draws to a close,&nbsp;Dempster said,&nbsp;"Tiger Woods does not do exhibitions. Never has. Never will. He is not going to come up and make the numbers. Ever."

If Woods' injuries subside, he is expected to&nbsp;take on Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas in a rather hotly-anticipated edition of 'The Match' scheduled to take place in Florida on December 10. Afterwards, he is expected to join his talented son Charlie in the PNC Championship where the duo finished second last year.&nbsp;

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Tiger Woods on Monday announced that he will be withdrawing from this weekend's Hero World Challenge. Woods said he developed an injury to his right heel which forced him to sit out the charity tournament, here in the Bahamas.

Tiger Woods on Monday announced that he will be withdrawing from this weekend's Hero World Challenge. Woods said he developed an injury to his right heel which forced him to sit out the charity tournament, here in the Bahamas. After the announcement, the fans and the organisers were left rather disappointed as Woods hadn't been seen in action after appearing at St Andrews for The Open Championship in July. The 15-time Major champion hosts the Hero World Challenge and it was supposed to be one of the three events he had been pencilled to take part in, till the end of the year. Skipping the event in the Bahamas is expected to affect Woods' official World Golf Ranking. WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with Martin Dempster, chairman of the Association of Golf Writers and analysed the impact of Woods' withdrawal and if his 'aura' was fading. "Two hours ago we were still confident that Tiger Woods was going to play this weekend. Then to see him put out a statement that he has got a problem...he will still be here as the host but we all are feeling a bit disappointed," said Dempster. When asked if the buzz that the 46-year-old commanded on the golf turf was fading with injuries not healing and him being forced out of tournaments, Dempster said age was catching up with Woods. "Very much so. No doubt age is a factor. All the injuries he has had, they are catching up now. But what we have seen from him this year -- I'm not surprised. He played at Masters and he did really well to play four rounds at Augusta. It was cold. Then the US PGA Championship. He struggled there. Sat out the US Open but was determined to be at St. Andrews for the 150th Open," said Dempster. "This is a reminder to everyone that Tiger Woods is fragile these days. He is not Superman. He has never been. People have thought he is Superman. But as you get older, these things catch up." Read more: Exclusive: Kerry Packer revolutionised cricket and IPL came out of it, says Greg Norman on LIV Golf model Quizzed if Tiger Woods still believed that he can come around and win major trophies by being on the tour for weeks, Dempster sounded optimistic, "If Tiger is fit on a given week, he still has the game. He hasn't been able to do that on a regular basis but Phil Mickelson won a major at 50. Tiger Woods would love to take that record away from him." "Tiger has proved strong in the past when he came back and won the masters. We should never write off. But as he gets older with the injuries, especially that car crash -- we have to be careful what we expect from him in the next year or coming five years," added Dempster. pic.twitter.com/C2HPgSSCAK — Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) November 28, 2022 × Read more: EXCLUSIVE | Anirban Lahiri likens Woods’ contempt for LIV Golf with Tendulkar skipping T20 World Cup With injuries taking a toll on Woods' body, questions have been arising if the golfing talisman might be transitioning to a leadership role on the PGA tour. Dempster said that PGA may be looking to lean on him. "All through his career, he has been a big influence. All the players look up to him. Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, all these players have so much respect for him. They know that the platform they play on today has been created by Tiger. He has had a lot more time on his hands lately. There has been a lot of good things going around in golf. He has been to meeting and PGA may be looking to lean onto Tiger to get his advice and support over the next few weeks." Asked if Woods will be doing exhibitions as his playing career draws to a close, Dempster said, "Tiger Woods does not do exhibitions. Never has. Never will. He is not going to come up and make the numbers. Ever." If Woods' injuries subside, he is expected to take on Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas in a rather hotly-anticipated edition of 'The Match' scheduled to take place in Florida on December 10. Afterwards, he is expected to join his talented son Charlie in the PNC Championship where the duo finished second last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive: He is not Superman, says Martin Dempster after Tiger Woods withdraws from Hero Challenge

A lot has transpired in golf in recent times. Since the inception of LIV Golf, it has left the golf world divided with the PGA Tour currently being involved in a court tussle with the rival tour. The PGA Tour had recently countersued Greg Norman's LIV, alleging that the rival golf circuit is using unfair practices by attracting players courtesy of whopping deals.

On the other hand, LIV Golf remains unperturbed by distractions or outside noises. Ahead of the&nbsp;2022 LIV Golf event in Bangkok, Thailand (i.e. the sixth event of its inaugural season), WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with Spain's Sergio Garcia. The 42-year-old, who has won 36 international tournaments as a professional and&nbsp;is arguably Europe's greatest Ryder Cup player, spoke at length&nbsp;on the divide in the sport due to LIV Golf vs PGA Tour, on joining the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit&nbsp;and chances of playing in the Ryder Cup.

"We are super excited (about joining the LIV Golf series) about where we are headed. Yes (we are pioneers). LIV Golf has given us an opportunity to be that. We are really confident that this is the right decision. On being asked if there&nbsp;was there something in the game that wasn't right, leading to LIV Golf Series,&nbsp;Garcia said, "Not really. I think some things could've been done differently with more energy and focus on younger generations. If you look at the age average for LIV, compared to the European or PGA Tour, it is much younger. At the end of the day, we try to encourage and get those young people to follow the game. LIV Golf is doing that. We are happy to do it."

When asked if he is surprised by PGA's 'this is my turf, nobody can be on it' policy, the veteran Sergio said, "Well, the game of golf is global. It belongs to everybody. They tried to do something for their benefit, but we will also try to do whatever best is possible." On the overall reaction and flak coming towards LIV Series, the Spaniard opined, "We knew something of this was going to happen. But that's ok. We are all grown up. We all know what is best for the game and best for our families. Apart from that, it is all white noise."

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Coming up today on <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> a chat with 2017 <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMasters</a> Champion <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSergioGarcia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheSergioGarcia</a> . I broke the ice by chatting about <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmadriden</a> before we rolled. That worked out well. <a href="https://twitter.com/LIVGolfInv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LIVGolfInv</a> <a href="https://t.co/A9YmSxuRza">pic.twitter.com/A9YmSxuRza</a>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-we-saw-the-vision-ian-poulter-explains-his-decision-to-join-liv-golf-stirs-world-ranking-debate-522772">EXCLUSIVE! We saw the vision: Ian Poulter explains his decision to join LIV Golf, stirs world ranking debate</a>

LIV's strategic alliance with META

On Thursday (October 06), a big announcement came in. LIV&nbsp;Golf players will now earn world ranking points starting this week after the developmental MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) Tour forged&nbsp;a strategic alliance with the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit.&nbsp;

"We are taking this mutually beneficial action to support the game at the developmental level and because of the importance and fairness of&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;golfers qualifying for OWGR points,"&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf President Atul Khosla said in a MENA Tour news release. "We're pleased to create pathways that give more opportunities for young players, while also giving fans rankings that include all the world’s best golfers."

Regarding this development, Sergio stated, "It is big. Super exciting. For younger players who don't have majors and want to hold onto their rankings and get rewarded for their good play, so that they can have eligibility to play the majors, thus, we are super excited about that."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liv-golfers-set-to-earn-ranking-points-after-strategic-alliance-with-mena-tour-522936">LIV golfers set to earn ranking points after strategic alliance with MENA Tour</a>

Will Sergio Garcia feature in the Ryder Cup?

With Sergio joining LIV Golf, this&nbsp;could well lead to the end of his career competing in blue and gold. He signed off by saying, "I would love to (play). Unfortunately, that won't come down to me. It depends on the European tour, the captain and the people involved there. We will see what happens." It is to be noted that the superstar golfer has been&nbsp;given until Friday (October 07) to make a decision.

A lot has transpired in golf in recent times. Since the inception of LIV Golf, it has left the golf world divided with the PGA Tour currently being involved in a court tussle with the rival tour.

A lot has transpired in golf in recent times. Since the inception of LIV Golf, it has left the golf world divided with the PGA Tour currently being involved in a court tussle with the rival tour. The PGA Tour had recently countersued Greg Norman's LIV, alleging that the rival golf circuit is using unfair practices by attracting players courtesy of whopping deals. On the other hand, LIV Golf remains unperturbed by distractions or outside noises. Ahead of the 2022 LIV Golf event in Bangkok, Thailand (i.e. the sixth event of its inaugural season), WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with Spain's Sergio Garcia. The 42-year-old, who has won 36 international tournaments as a professional and is arguably Europe's greatest Ryder Cup player, spoke at length on the divide in the sport due to LIV Golf vs PGA Tour, on joining the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit and chances of playing in the Ryder Cup. "We are super excited (about joining the LIV Golf series) about where we are headed. Yes (we are pioneers). LIV Golf has given us an opportunity to be that. We are really confident that this is the right decision. On being asked if there was there something in the game that wasn't right, leading to LIV Golf Series, Garcia said, "Not really. I think some things could've been done differently with more energy and focus on younger generations. If you look at the age average for LIV, compared to the European or PGA Tour, it is much younger. At the end of the day, we try to encourage and get those young people to follow the game. LIV Golf is doing that. We are happy to do it." When asked if he is surprised by PGA's 'this is my turf, nobody can be on it' policy, the veteran Sergio said, "Well, the game of golf is global. It belongs to everybody. They tried to do something for their benefit, but we will also try to do whatever best is possible." On the overall reaction and flak coming towards LIV Series, the Spaniard opined, "We knew something of this was going to happen. But that's ok. We are all grown up. We all know what is best for the game and best for our families. Apart from that, it is all white noise." Coming up today on @WIONews a chat with 2017 @TheMasters Champion @TheSergioGarcia . I broke the ice by chatting about @realmadriden before we rolled. That worked out well. @LIVGolfInv pic.twitter.com/A9YmSxuRza — Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) October 6, 2022 × ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE! We saw the vision: Ian Poulter explains his decision to join LIV Golf, stirs world ranking debate LIV's strategic alliance with META On Thursday (October 06), a big announcement came in. LIV Golf players will now earn world ranking points starting this week after the developmental MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) Tour forged a strategic alliance with the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit. "We are taking this mutually beneficial action to support the game at the developmental level and because of the importance and fairness of LIV golfers qualifying for OWGR points," LIV Golf President Atul Khosla said in a MENA Tour news release. "We're pleased to create pathways that give more opportunities for young players, while also giving fans rankings that include all the world’s best golfers." Regarding this development, Sergio stated, "It is big. Super exciting. For younger players who don't have majors and want to hold onto their rankings and get rewarded for their good play, so that they can have eligibility to play the majors, thus, we are super excited about that." ALSO READ | LIV golfers set to earn ranking points after strategic alliance with MENA Tour Will Sergio Garcia feature in the Ryder Cup? With Sergio joining LIV Golf, this could well lead to the end of his career competing in blue and gold. He signed off by saying, "I would love to (play). Unfortunately, that won't come down to me. It depends on the European tour, the captain and the people involved there. We will see what happens." It is to be noted that the superstar golfer has been given until Friday (October 07) to make a decision.

EXCLUSIVE! 'Game of golf is for everybody, it is global': Sergio Garcia on LIV Golf vs PGA Tour battle

In recent times, golf has been in the headlines for the PGA Tour versus LIV Golf tussle. The tensions between PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf continue with each passing day and the divide has created a lot of stir.&nbsp;

Recently, FedEx Cup champion Rory McIlroy opined on the divide, which is leading to golf 'ripping itself apart'. He told Reuters, "I don't want a fractured game. I never have. You look at some other sports and what's happened and the game of golf is ripping itself apart right now."

"It's no good for the guys on, you know, this side or the sort of traditional system and it's no good for the guys on the other side, either. It's no good for anyone. There is a time and a place for it. I just think right now, with where everything is, it's probably not the right time."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/phil-mickelson-and-three-others-pull-out-of-liv-golf-lawsuit-against-pga-tour-520436">Phil Mickelson and three others pull out of LIV Golf lawsuit against PGA Tour</a>

Eleven LIV players had initially given their nod to&nbsp;support&nbsp;an antitrust lawsuit filed against the PGA Tour. They&nbsp;had accused the PGA Tour of&nbsp;operating as a monopoly and alleged the suspension of players joining the new circuit was not proper.

Nonetheless, eight of them&nbsp;pulled out from it recently, with Phil Mickelson joining them most recently.&nbsp;McIlroy feels a resolution can be possible but opines that legal proceedings are making matters worse at present.

"Right now with two lawsuits going on, and how heightened the rhetoric has been, I think we just need to let it cool off a little bit," McIlory said while speaking to BBC Sport on Wednesday. "I don't know what's going to happen with this lawsuit. No one's going to want to talk to anyone when it's hanging over the game, so I don't know what happens there.

"I've probably said a few things that are maybe too inflammatory at times, but it just comes from the heart and how much I hate what this is doing to the game. It has been an ugly year but&nbsp;there's a solution to everything. If we can send rockets to the moon and bring them back again and have them land on their own I'm sure we can figure out how to make professional golf cohesive again," the 33-year-old added.

Mickelson, in a statement brought forward by LIV Golf, said after his withdrawal from the lawsuit against PGA Tour, "I am focused on moving forward and extremely happy being a part of LIV, while also grateful for my time on the Tour.' 
 
"I am pleased that the players on Tour are finally being heard, respected, and valued and are benefitting from the changes recently implemented. With LIV's involvement in these issues, the players' rights will be protected, and I no longer feel it is necessary for me to be part of the proceedings," he added.

It looks like the PGA vs LIV Royal Rumble is far from over. It, however,&nbsp;is denting the game to a great extend in current scenario.

In recent times, golf has been in the headlines for the PGA Tour versus LIV Golf tussle. The tensions between PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf continue with each passing day and the divide has created a lot of stir.

In recent times, golf has been in the headlines for the PGA Tour versus LIV Golf tussle. The tensions between PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf continue with each passing day and the divide has created a lot of stir. Recently, FedEx Cup champion Rory McIlroy opined on the divide, which is leading to golf 'ripping itself apart'. He told Reuters, "I don't want a fractured game. I never have. You look at some other sports and what's happened and the game of golf is ripping itself apart right now." "It's no good for the guys on, you know, this side or the sort of traditional system and it's no good for the guys on the other side, either. It's no good for anyone. There is a time and a place for it. I just think right now, with where everything is, it's probably not the right time." ALSO READ | Phil Mickelson and three others pull out of LIV Golf lawsuit against PGA Tour Eleven LIV players had initially given their nod to support an antitrust lawsuit filed against the PGA Tour. They had accused the PGA Tour of operating as a monopoly and alleged the suspension of players joining the new circuit was not proper. Nonetheless, eight of them pulled out from it recently, with Phil Mickelson joining them most recently. McIlroy feels a resolution can be possible but opines that legal proceedings are making matters worse at present. "Right now with two lawsuits going on, and how heightened the rhetoric has been, I think we just need to let it cool off a little bit," McIlory said while speaking to BBC Sport on Wednesday. "I don't know what's going to happen with this lawsuit. No one's going to want to talk to anyone when it's hanging over the game, so I don't know what happens there. "I've probably said a few things that are maybe too inflammatory at times, but it just comes from the heart and how much I hate what this is doing to the game. It has been an ugly year but there's a solution to everything. If we can send rockets to the moon and bring them back again and have them land on their own I'm sure we can figure out how to make professional golf cohesive again," the 33-year-old added. Mickelson, in a statement brought forward by LIV Golf, said after his withdrawal from the lawsuit against PGA Tour, "I am focused on moving forward and extremely happy being a part of LIV, while also grateful for my time on the Tour.' "I am pleased that the players on Tour are finally being heard, respected, and valued and are benefitting from the changes recently implemented. With LIV's involvement in these issues, the players' rights will be protected, and I no longer feel it is necessary for me to be part of the proceedings," he added. It looks like the PGA vs LIV Royal Rumble is far from over. It, however, is denting the game to a great extend in current scenario.

Rory McIlroy reacts to tensions between PGA Tour and LIV Golf, says game is 'ripping itself apart'

On Tuesday (August 30), Anirban Lahiri became the first-ever Indian golfer to become a part of the LIV Golf Tour. The Saudi-backed LIV Series has grabbed a lot of eyeballs and faced the heat from plenty in the recent past, including veteran golfer Tiger Woods.&nbsp;

However, Lahiri joined a plethora of big names to be a part of LIV Golf, including British Open winner Cameron Smith. He has now become the&nbsp;first Asian to sign up with Liv Golf. The latest list of joinees on Liv Tour&nbsp;includes The Open champion&nbsp;Smith (Australia),&nbsp;Chile's Joaquin Niemann and American duo Harold Varner and Cameron Tringale. Hence, Lahiri's joining can be seen as an opportunity to target the ever-growing Asian golf market. While the financial details of the veteran Indian golfer are not known yet, the 35-year-old spoke to WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo and dwelled on the much-debated LIV Golf vs PGA Tour, his reason for making the switch and more.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EXCLUSIVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EXCLUSIVE</a> | Indian ace Anirban Lahiri was unveiled as a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVGolf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVGolf</a> player on Tuesday, and the 35-year-old will play the Boston invitational later this week. <a href="https://twitter.com/anirbangolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anirbangolf</a> spoke to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/DiggySinghDeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiggySinghDeo</a> and explained why he felt the time was right to leave the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PGATour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PGATour</a> <a href="https://t.co/O28AlyERbv">pic.twitter.com/O28AlyERbv</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1564853646483156992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Excerpts:

Q. The breakaway LIV Golf series continues to defy its detractors. Six new players including World number two Cameron Smith have joined the LIV series. Anirban when did you decide to move on from PGA Tour?

I don't think it is the right way to put it, Diggy (smiles). It was about exploring another option. It was also exploring an alternative way. To answer your question, it was after the first event happened in London. Some of my friends were playing and I spoke to them. They said that while it has received a lot of scrutiny, it isn't what everybody is saying it is. That's when I started considering it and then it evolved from there.

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Q. What is it about LIV Golf that makes it worthwhile for you to join?

I think that is a good question. Everybody has joined for personal reasons. For me, I have been in the US, fully committed to the PGA Tour. It has been seven years. A lot of things have transpired in those seven years. I have tried to work on my form, fix my issues and keep my game in good shape. At times, when you come back from a tournament schedule, I have found it difficult to blow off steam. But it hasn't felt like it at times. I have become a father twice so it gets difficult. It especially gets difficult when you don't have a family, friends, or a support system that you would like to have, not just personally but for your kids. I've asked myself 'Why am I doing this?'. So, it also comes at a cost. It was always about coming back home, closer to India, give back to the game and contributing to my family.

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Welcome to LIV <a href="https://twitter.com/anirbangolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anirbangolf</a> 👋<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVGolf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVGolf</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z7viqmMp30">pic.twitter.com/Z7viqmMp30</a>
— LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv) <a href="https://twitter.com/LIVGolfInv/status/1564605539795046405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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When LIV came along, I was like 'wow, here is an opportunity for me to actually make that all a reality'. With this schedule, I can still play 8-9 times or how many times they are going to play in the US. The scheduling will be done to maximise the travel. I will be playing in Asia, with young Indian professionals. I will be able to see my coach and have my family and friends. In a nutshell, the positives were outweighing the individual pursuit of my own goals.

<blockquote>
Speaking to Golf Digest, Smith had pointed out that the&nbsp;money was a “factor” but not the “biggest reason” why he decided on jumping from PGA Tour to LIV.

“It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore,” Smith said.

“The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing. I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well. I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.”
</blockquote>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anriban-lahiri-becomes-first-indian-to-sign-up-with-rebel-liv-golf-tour-511561">Anirban Lahiri becomes first Indian to sign up with rebel Liv Golf Tour</a>

Q. You would've obviously weighed up the options. There are going to be new elevated tournaments. More money. Also, with your FedEx Cup rankings just outside the top 70, you would've got&nbsp;an opportunity to play all those events as a guaranteed starter, compared to the PGA Tour.

I think the changes brought forward are fantastic. This season is probably the best time to be a professional golfer because the opportunities are immense. If not because of LIV Golf, it has definitely been a catalyst. To answer your question, there are opportunities. I will be honest, if I was really happy with my life in the US and&nbsp;not come back, I could. The US government would run to give me a green card, being an athlete. I came to America because it was the best decision for my job.

If I was really happy, I wouldn't have left. Because you said very rightly that the financial aspects are there in the PGA Tour as well. But if you look at the opportunities in LIV Golf, I have plenty.

On Tuesday (August 30), Anirban Lahiri became the first-ever Indian golfer to become a part of the LIV Golf Tour. The Saudi-backed LIV Series has grabbed a lot of eyeballs and faced the heat from plenty in the recent past, including veteran golfer Tiger Woods.

On Tuesday (August 30), Anirban Lahiri became the first-ever Indian golfer to become a part of the LIV Golf Tour. The Saudi-backed LIV Series has grabbed a lot of eyeballs and faced the heat from plenty in the recent past, including veteran golfer Tiger Woods. However, Lahiri joined a plethora of big names to be a part of LIV Golf, including British Open winner Cameron Smith. He has now become the first Asian to sign up with Liv Golf. The latest list of joinees on Liv Tour includes The Open champion Smith (Australia), Chile's Joaquin Niemann and American duo Harold Varner and Cameron Tringale. Hence, Lahiri's joining can be seen as an opportunity to target the ever-growing Asian golf market. While the financial details of the veteran Indian golfer are not known yet, the 35-year-old spoke to WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo and dwelled on the much-debated LIV Golf vs PGA Tour, his reason for making the switch and more. #EXCLUSIVE | Indian ace Anirban Lahiri was unveiled as a #LIVGolf player on Tuesday, and the 35-year-old will play the Boston invitational later this week. @anirbangolf spoke to WION's @DiggySinghDeo and explained why he felt the time was right to leave the #PGATour pic.twitter.com/O28AlyERbv — WION (@WIONews) August 31, 2022 × Excerpts: Q. The breakaway LIV Golf series continues to defy its detractors. Six new players including World number two Cameron Smith have joined the LIV series. Anirban when did you decide to move on from PGA Tour? I don't think it is the right way to put it, Diggy (smiles). It was about exploring another option. It was also exploring an alternative way. To answer your question, it was after the first event happened in London. Some of my friends were playing and I spoke to them. They said that while it has received a lot of scrutiny, it isn't what everybody is saying it is. That's when I started considering it and then it evolved from there. × Q. What is it about LIV Golf that makes it worthwhile for you to join? I think that is a good question. Everybody has joined for personal reasons. For me, I have been in the US, fully committed to the PGA Tour. It has been seven years. A lot of things have transpired in those seven years. I have tried to work on my form, fix my issues and keep my game in good shape. At times, when you come back from a tournament schedule, I have found it difficult to blow off steam. But it hasn't felt like it at times. I have become a father twice so it gets difficult. It especially gets difficult when you don't have a family, friends, or a support system that you would like to have, not just personally but for your kids. I've asked myself 'Why am I doing this?'. So, it also comes at a cost. It was always about coming back home, closer to India, give back to the game and contributing to my family. Welcome to LIV @anirbangolf 👋#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/Z7viqmMp30 — LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv) August 30, 2022 × When LIV came along, I was like 'wow, here is an opportunity for me to actually make that all a reality'. With this schedule, I can still play 8-9 times or how many times they are going to play in the US. The scheduling will be done to maximise the travel. I will be playing in Asia, with young Indian professionals. I will be able to see my coach and have my family and friends. In a nutshell, the positives were outweighing the individual pursuit of my own goals. Speaking to Golf Digest, Smith had pointed out that the money was a “factor” but not the “biggest reason” why he decided on jumping from PGA Tour to LIV. “It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore,” Smith said. “The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing. I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well. I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.” ALSO READ | Anirban Lahiri becomes first Indian to sign up with rebel Liv Golf Tour Q. You would've obviously weighed up the options. There are going to be new elevated tournaments. More money. Also, with your FedEx Cup rankings just outside the top 70, you would've got an opportunity to play all those events as a guaranteed starter, compared to the PGA Tour. I think the changes brought forward are fantastic. This season is probably the best time to be a professional golfer because the opportunities are immense. If not because of LIV Golf, it has definitely been a catalyst. To answer your question, there are opportunities. I will be honest, if I was really happy with my life in the US and not come back, I could. The US government would run to give me a green card, being an athlete. I came to America because it was the best decision for my job. If I was really happy, I wouldn't have left. Because you said very rightly that the financial aspects are there in the PGA Tour as well. But if you look at the opportunities in LIV Golf, I have plenty.

EXCLUSIVE | LIV Golf has definitely been a catalyst for the game's growth, says Anirban Lahiri

With the threat of a hostile takeover from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series hanging heavy over their shoulders, the PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has announced some extremely lucrative prizes for winners and competitors participating in the tournament.

The primary goal of these changes is to induce loyalty towards the tour from players and prevent them from jumping ship to join the ranks of the LIV Golf series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-and-rory-mcilroy-spearhead-joint-charge-against-liv-golf-as-they-launch-tech-focused-firm-509808" hreflang="en">Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy spearhead joint charge against LIV Golf, launch tech-focused firm</a>

The tour promised to introduce four elevated events, each offering purses of&nbsp;at least $20 million. In addition, the tour vowed to increase the guaranteed minimum earnings for full members and double up the money that is retained in the bonus pool.

With the new developments in place, top players may earn the opportunity to compete in up to 20 events in a&nbsp;calendar year.

“Our top players are firmly behind the TOUR, helping us deliver an unmatched product to our fans, who will be all but guaranteed to see the best players competing against each other in 20 events or more throughout the season,” said PGA Chief Jay Monahan while discussing the changes being introduced.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-time-wimbledon-winner-petra-kvitova-announces-engagement-to-coach-shares-tweet-510047" hreflang="en">Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova announces engagement to coach, shares tweet</a>

As part of the changes, the graduates of the&nbsp;developmental Korn Ferry Tour and over will be guaranteed a&nbsp;$500,000 minimum takeaway. The total bonus pool, on the other hand, will double up to&nbsp;$100 million.

It is interesting to note that eleven golfers affiliated with the breakaway league&nbsp;filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour, challenging the restrictive measures that were introduced to penalize them.&nbsp;They also alleged that the association is interfering with the possibility of LIV Golf competing with the Tour fairly.

With the threat of a hostile takeover from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series hanging heavy over their shoulders, the PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has announced some extremely lucrative prizes for winners and competitors participating in the tournament.

With the threat of a hostile takeover from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series hanging heavy over their shoulders, the PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has announced some extremely lucrative prizes for winners and competitors participating in the tournament. The primary goal of these changes is to induce loyalty towards the tour from players and prevent them from jumping ship to join the ranks of the LIV Golf series. ALSO READ: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy spearhead joint charge against LIV Golf, launch tech-focused firm The tour promised to introduce four elevated events, each offering purses of at least $20 million. In addition, the tour vowed to increase the guaranteed minimum earnings for full members and double up the money that is retained in the bonus pool. With the new developments in place, top players may earn the opportunity to compete in up to 20 events in a calendar year. “Our top players are firmly behind the TOUR, helping us deliver an unmatched product to our fans, who will be all but guaranteed to see the best players competing against each other in 20 events or more throughout the season,” said PGA Chief Jay Monahan while discussing the changes being introduced. ALSO READ: Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova announces engagement to coach, shares tweet As part of the changes, the graduates of the developmental Korn Ferry Tour and over will be guaranteed a $500,000 minimum takeaway. The total bonus pool, on the other hand, will double up to $100 million. It is interesting to note that eleven golfers affiliated with the breakaway league filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour, challenging the restrictive measures that were introduced to penalize them. They also alleged that the association is interfering with the possibility of LIV Golf competing with the Tour fairly.

PGA Tour raises prize money, benefits for players as rivalry with LIV Golf heats up

The PGA Tour has suspended all current and future players who have decided to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series that began on Thursday. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan sent a letter to members that said those who join the lucrative breakaway series will not be permitted to play on the U.S.-based circuit as a non-member via a sponsor exemption or any other eligibility category.

Among the players who have already joined LIV Golf are Phil Mickelson, who counts six major championships among his 45 PGA Tour wins, and former world number one Dustin Johnson. "These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons. But they can`t demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you," Monahan said in the letter to PGA Tour members. "That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners. You have made a different choice, which is to abide by the Tournament Regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA Tour card and – more importantly – to compete as part of the preeminent organization in the world of professional golf."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spinal-tumor-to-keep-world-no-12-danielle-kang-off-lpga-tour-indefinitely-486449">Spinal tumor to keep World No. 12 Danielle Kang off LPGA Tour indefinitely</a>

Both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour had declined requests from members who had asked for releases to compete at Centurion Club this week outside London where $25 million is up for grabs, including $4 million for the winner. The decision by the PGA Tour triggered a quick and scathing response from LIV Golf. "Today`s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members," LIV Golf said in a statement.

"It`s troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. "This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond."

The decision by the PGA Tour, which does not run golf`s four majors, came after the United States Golf Association said it would allow LIV golfers who to play in next week`s U.S. Open if they are exempt or had already qualified.

The PGA Tour has suspended all current and future players who have decided to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series that began on Thursday. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan sent a letter to members that said those who join the lucrative breakaway series will not be permitted to play on the U.

The PGA Tour has suspended all current and future players who have decided to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series that began on Thursday. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan sent a letter to members that said those who join the lucrative breakaway series will not be permitted to play on the U.S.-based circuit as a non-member via a sponsor exemption or any other eligibility category. Among the players who have already joined LIV Golf are Phil Mickelson, who counts six major championships among his 45 PGA Tour wins, and former world number one Dustin Johnson. "These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons. But they can`t demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you," Monahan said in the letter to PGA Tour members. "That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners. You have made a different choice, which is to abide by the Tournament Regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA Tour card and – more importantly – to compete as part of the preeminent organization in the world of professional golf." ALSO READ | Spinal tumor to keep World No. 12 Danielle Kang off LPGA Tour indefinitely Both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour had declined requests from members who had asked for releases to compete at Centurion Club this week outside London where $25 million is up for grabs, including $4 million for the winner. The decision by the PGA Tour triggered a quick and scathing response from LIV Golf. "Today`s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members," LIV Golf said in a statement. "It`s troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. "This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond." The decision by the PGA Tour, which does not run golf`s four majors, came after the United States Golf Association said it would allow LIV golfers who to play in next week`s U.S. Open if they are exempt or had already qualified.

PGA Tour suspends players, including Phil Mickelson, who joined LIV Golf circuit - Here's why

Young Indian origin golfer Akshay Bhatia made heads turn when he clinched&nbsp;The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour at Sandals Emerald Bay in January 2022. The 19-year-old teenager became only the third-youngest (after Australia's Jason Day and Korea's Sungjae IM) to win on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Akshay, whose family originally belongs to New Delhi, India made his professional debut at the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi. Since then, his rise up the ladder has been evident and the youngster recently sat down for an exclusive interaction with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo where he dwelled&nbsp;on&nbsp;his journey so far,&nbsp;decision to forego college education and&nbsp;his mentor fellow left-hander and the great, Phil Mickelson.

Sharing thoughts on his Korn Ferry Tour win, Akshay opined, "Yeah. I think the journey has played&nbsp;a big part in the lead-up&nbsp;to that win. I struggled for a long time but I was also playing against the best players in the world. I had three-four opportunities to be on the PGA Tour last season but&nbsp;it just wasn't my time yet. I had to keep learning. But I've enjoyed it and this is my first Korn Ferry Tour. To kick off&nbsp;with a victory, it is a great start to the year. Playing with a lot of PGA Tour winners&nbsp;has been great. Being one of the youngest players to be on the tour, it is just amazing."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-aus-open-2022-rafael-nadal-is-goat-hes-like-a-jekyll-of-hyde-says-indian-coach-nandan-bal-449123">EXCLUSIVE | Aus Open 2022: Rafael Nadal is G.O.A.T, he's like a Jekyll of Hyde, says Indian coach Nandan Bal</a>

Akshay shared his thoughts on the big decision of dropping out from college and turning into a professional at such a young age. He feels the gamble has paid off but there is always a chance to go back and complete his education if the opportunity&nbsp;arises. He lauded his family's support and said, "What I've learned from my parents is to be very family-oriented. It wasn't just my own discussion. It was a family discussion. I&nbsp;did a lot of things that some junior or ammeter golfers never did. For me, turning&nbsp;pro was to get my masters degree on the golf course. That's my college. My mom wanted me to go to school. Education is super important for me but it was just a little different for me. I was always ahead of the pack&nbsp;so I was ready to do it (turn professional). They supported me. It is something I'll never regret (forgoing education) and if I have time, I can always&nbsp;go back to school and get a degree."

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-fans-love-big-three-aslan-karatsev-on-lack-of-support-for-daniil-medvedev-in-aus-open-final-450040">EXCLUSIVE | 'Fans love Big Three': Aslan Karatsev on lack of support for Daniil Medvedev in Aus Open final</a>

Not many get someone of the stature of&nbsp;Mickelson -- winner of&nbsp;45 events on the PGA Tour, including six major championships: three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021)&nbsp;and one Open Championship -- to mentor them at such a young age. Akshay feels he is truly blessed to be around his company and emphasised&nbsp;how big a role the 51-year-old has played in his career so far.&nbsp;"It is a dream to be able to spend time with him. He has been really gracious with his time. He has helped me a lot. He has a lot of belief in me. He maybe sees a bit of himself in me (also winning as an ammeter). Amazing to have a mentor like that. He won a major last year. He knows what feelings you get at the biggest stage. Any time I have to text or call him, he will always respond. I am excited to team up with him on tour in the future."

Young Indian origin golfer Akshay Bhatia made heads turn when he clinched The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour at Sandals Emerald Bay in January 2022.

Young Indian origin golfer Akshay Bhatia made heads turn when he clinched The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour at Sandals Emerald Bay in January 2022. The 19-year-old teenager became only the third-youngest (after Australia's Jason Day and Korea's Sungjae IM) to win on the Korn Ferry Tour. Akshay, whose family originally belongs to New Delhi, India made his professional debut at the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi. Since then, his rise up the ladder has been evident and the youngster recently sat down for an exclusive interaction with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo where he dwelled on his journey so far, decision to forego college education and his mentor fellow left-hander and the great, Phil Mickelson. Sharing thoughts on his Korn Ferry Tour win, Akshay opined, "Yeah. I think the journey has played a big part in the lead-up to that win. I struggled for a long time but I was also playing against the best players in the world. I had three-four opportunities to be on the PGA Tour last season but it just wasn't my time yet. I had to keep learning. But I've enjoyed it and this is my first Korn Ferry Tour. To kick off with a victory, it is a great start to the year. Playing with a lot of PGA Tour winners has been great. Being one of the youngest players to be on the tour, it is just amazing." ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Aus Open 2022: Rafael Nadal is G.O.A.T, he's like a Jekyll of Hyde, says Indian coach Nandan Bal Akshay shared his thoughts on the big decision of dropping out from college and turning into a professional at such a young age. He feels the gamble has paid off but there is always a chance to go back and complete his education if the opportunity arises. He lauded his family's support and said, "What I've learned from my parents is to be very family-oriented. It wasn't just my own discussion. It was a family discussion. I did a lot of things that some junior or ammeter golfers never did. For me, turning pro was to get my masters degree on the golf course. That's my college. My mom wanted me to go to school. Education is super important for me but it was just a little different for me. I was always ahead of the pack so I was ready to do it (turn professional). They supported me. It is something I'll never regret (forgoing education) and if I have time, I can always go back to school and get a degree." × ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | 'Fans love Big Three': Aslan Karatsev on lack of support for Daniil Medvedev in Aus Open final Not many get someone of the stature of Mickelson -- winner of 45 events on the PGA Tour, including six major championships: three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021) and one Open Championship -- to mentor them at such a young age. Akshay feels he is truly blessed to be around his company and emphasised how big a role the 51-year-old has played in his career so far. "It is a dream to be able to spend time with him. He has been really gracious with his time. He has helped me a lot. He has a lot of belief in me. He maybe sees a bit of himself in me (also winning as an ammeter). Amazing to have a mentor like that. He won a major last year. He knows what feelings you get at the biggest stage. Any time I have to text or call him, he will always respond. I am excited to team up with him on tour in the future."

EXCLUSIVE | 'He sees a bit of...' - Akshay Bhatia on mentor Phil Mickelson, forgoing college education

Rory McIlroy has been energized by the return of golf spectators after Covid-19 protocols eased, snapping an 18-month win drought and seizing a favoured role at the PGA Championship.

The four-time major winner from Northern Ireland won the PGA by a record eight strokes at Kiawah Island in 2012 and returns to the coastal resort confident and happy. He's even glad to hear people yell annoying comments after tee shots again.

"Love the 'mashed potatoes' guys again," McIlroy said Tuesday. "I don't even care about the stupid comments. I'm just glad that everyone is back here."

McIlroy watched a Champions League football semi-final played in an empty stadium and felt sorry for the players, knowing the empty feeling after nearly a year of shotmaking on silent courses.

"It's funny, ever since I was 16 years old I've had thousands of people watch me play golf pretty much every time I teed it up," McIlroy said.

"Playing in that environment for 14, 15 years and then sort of going the complete opposite, it's just different. It was like playing practice rounds. It was easy to lose concentration."

About 10,000 people a day will watch the world's top golfers challenge the brutal layout and blustery winds of Kiawah Island. It's about one-third of the number who saw McIlroy win in 2012 but it's plenty to get excited about.

"You want to play in front of people. You want to feel that atmosphere," he said. "I'm glad that we're getting back to some sort of normalcy and when you hit good shots and hole putts there are claps and rewards and encouragement."

McIlroy looked around the 7,876-yard layout, the longest in major golf history, and remarked how much he had changed in nine years.

"It seems longer. It seems like there's been a lot of time that's passed, and I feel like I'm a different person and a different player," McIlroy said.

"I'm in a completely different place in my life. Everything has changed, really. I feel like a completely different person.

"I think a lot has changed for the better. I'm standing up here probably more confident in myself, happier with where I am in my life, and just sort of enjoying life, enjoying everything a bit more."

<h2>'A great test'&nbsp;</h2>

One thing he doesn't expect to enjoy again is a blowout victory.

"Just because I did that doesn't mean that I'm going to find it any easier this week than anyone else," McIlroy said. "It's a really tough test, especially when the wind is blowing like this. Those last few holes out there are brutal.

"It's going to be a great test. I've maybe got some better memories and better vibes here than most of the other guys do, and that's obviously nice, but not sure it's going to enable me to play any better."

Another key change is that the 2012 edition was played in August when the balls were more likely to stay up in deep rough near the greens.

"It's not going to be as easy around the greens as it was last time," McIlroy said. "If the wind keeps up like this again this week, that's what you're going to have do well is chip and putt well."

McIlroy has been trying to see bigger pictures instead of short-term goals and said that helped him win at Quail Hollow two weeks ago.

"It was great to get a win, but I'm thinking way beyond that," he said.

"When you think that way, something like that just happens to fall into your lap. It's almost like the less you try, the more things sort of go your way."

Rory McIlroy has been energized by the return of golf spectators after Covid-19 protocols eased, snapping an 18-month win drought and seizing a favoured role at the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy has been energized by the return of golf spectators after Covid-19 protocols eased, snapping an 18-month win drought and seizing a favoured role at the PGA Championship. The four-time major winner from Northern Ireland won the PGA by a record eight strokes at Kiawah Island in 2012 and returns to the coastal resort confident and happy. He's even glad to hear people yell annoying comments after tee shots again. "Love the 'mashed potatoes' guys again," McIlroy said Tuesday. "I don't even care about the stupid comments. I'm just glad that everyone is back here." McIlroy watched a Champions League football semi-final played in an empty stadium and felt sorry for the players, knowing the empty feeling after nearly a year of shotmaking on silent courses. "It's funny, ever since I was 16 years old I've had thousands of people watch me play golf pretty much every time I teed it up," McIlroy said. "Playing in that environment for 14, 15 years and then sort of going the complete opposite, it's just different. It was like playing practice rounds. It was easy to lose concentration." About 10,000 people a day will watch the world's top golfers challenge the brutal layout and blustery winds of Kiawah Island. It's about one-third of the number who saw McIlroy win in 2012 but it's plenty to get excited about. "You want to play in front of people. You want to feel that atmosphere," he said. "I'm glad that we're getting back to some sort of normalcy and when you hit good shots and hole putts there are claps and rewards and encouragement." McIlroy looked around the 7,876-yard layout, the longest in major golf history, and remarked how much he had changed in nine years. "It seems longer. It seems like there's been a lot of time that's passed, and I feel like I'm a different person and a different player," McIlroy said. "I'm in a completely different place in my life. Everything has changed, really. I feel like a completely different person. "I think a lot has changed for the better. I'm standing up here probably more confident in myself, happier with where I am in my life, and just sort of enjoying life, enjoying everything a bit more." 'A great test' One thing he doesn't expect to enjoy again is a blowout victory. "Just because I did that doesn't mean that I'm going to find it any easier this week than anyone else," McIlroy said. "It's a really tough test, especially when the wind is blowing like this. Those last few holes out there are brutal. "It's going to be a great test. I've maybe got some better memories and better vibes here than most of the other guys do, and that's obviously nice, but not sure it's going to enable me to play any better." Another key change is that the 2012 edition was played in August when the balls were more likely to stay up in deep rough near the greens. "It's not going to be as easy around the greens as it was last time," McIlroy said. "If the wind keeps up like this again this week, that's what you're going to have do well is chip and putt well." McIlroy has been trying to see bigger pictures instead of short-term goals and said that helped him win at Quail Hollow two weeks ago. "It was great to get a win, but I'm thinking way beyond that," he said. "When you think that way, something like that just happens to fall into your lap. It's almost like the less you try, the more things sort of go your way."

McIlroy energized and confident in PGA return to Kiawah

World number one Dustin Johnson capped a two-under-par 68 with a birdie at the last to seal a three-stroke victory in the US PGA Tour Championship and earn the $15 million FedEx Cup playoff title on Sunday.

Johnson finished with a 21-under-par total at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta -- three shots clear of Americans Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas.

"I hit the fairways when I needed to coming down the stretch," said Johnson, who started the day with a five-shot lead.

He rolled in an 18-foot birdie putt at the third, a 10-footer at the fifth and a three-footer at the sixth.

But bogeys at the seventh and eighth -- where he was in a fairway bunker -- opened the door just a crack for Thomas and Schauffele.

Neither could do enough, never getting the deficit below two strokes as &nbsp;Johnson parred nine straight.

That run included a 21-foot par-saving putt at the 13th, where he was in the left rough off the tee and right of the green and hit a poor chip but drained the putt to push his lead back to three over Schauffele.

"He made that putt, which I didn't," said Schauffele, who bogeyed the 13th. "That was a pinnacle moment, I think."

"Obviously it's a very tough trophy to win. This time I did control my own destiny, I knew what I had to do.

"But I still had to go out and play well today. I had a lot of great players right behind me and they played some good golf today. I knew I was going to have to come down the stretch and hit some golf shots."

He was in the fairway at the par-five 18th, but his approach hit the bank in front of the green and bounced back into the greenside bunker. He blasted out to five feet and made the putt for a closing birdie.

The 36-year-old claimed his 23rd US PGA Tour title and his third since the tour resumed in June after a three-month coronavirus shutdown.

He's the first overall points leader since 2009 to win the season-ending showdown for the $15 million (12.6 million euro) playoff prize.

Johnson had a head start coming into Eastlake. He began the week on 10-under thanks to his season points edge.

Spain's second-ranked Jon Rahm was next on 8-under with third-ranked Thomas on 7-under and others up to 10 shots adrift in the staggered start system.

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'dialed in' -</h2>

&nbsp;

Rahm, who edged Johnson in a playoff at the BMW Championship a week earlier, finished alone in third on 17-under after closing with his second straight 66.

Schauffele actually had the week's lowest 72-hole total of 15-under 265, but under the staggered start format he started the week seven adrift.

Johnson played 72 holes in 11-under 269.

Prior to his dramatic near miss at the BMW Championship, Johnson won the Northern Trust by 11 strokes to seize the world number one ranking.

In June, he won the Travelers Championship -- his first title since February 2019.

"I'm definitely playing probably the best I've ever played," the 2016 US Open champion said. "I really feel like everything is dialed in pretty well."

The Tour Championship marked the official end of the US tour's pandemic-disrupted 2019-2020 season.

The 2020-21 season starts this week with the Safeway Open, and while Johnson won't be there he and the world's other top golfers won't be settling down for some rest with the rescheduled US Open coming up at Winged Foot September 17-20.

"You've only got a few days," Johnson said.

World number one Dustin Johnson capped a two-under-par 68 with a birdie at the last to seal a three-stroke victory in the US PGA Tour Championship and earn the $15 million FedEx Cup playoff title on Sunday.

World number one Dustin Johnson capped a two-under-par 68 with a birdie at the last to seal a three-stroke victory in the US PGA Tour Championship and earn the $15 million FedEx Cup playoff title on Sunday. Johnson finished with a 21-under-par total at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta -- three shots clear of Americans Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas. "I hit the fairways when I needed to coming down the stretch," said Johnson, who started the day with a five-shot lead. He rolled in an 18-foot birdie putt at the third, a 10-footer at the fifth and a three-footer at the sixth. But bogeys at the seventh and eighth -- where he was in a fairway bunker -- opened the door just a crack for Thomas and Schauffele. Neither could do enough, never getting the deficit below two strokes as Johnson parred nine straight. That run included a 21-foot par-saving putt at the 13th, where he was in the left rough off the tee and right of the green and hit a poor chip but drained the putt to push his lead back to three over Schauffele. "He made that putt, which I didn't," said Schauffele, who bogeyed the 13th. "That was a pinnacle moment, I think." "Obviously it's a very tough trophy to win. This time I did control my own destiny, I knew what I had to do. "But I still had to go out and play well today. I had a lot of great players right behind me and they played some good golf today. I knew I was going to have to come down the stretch and hit some golf shots." He was in the fairway at the par-five 18th, but his approach hit the bank in front of the green and bounced back into the greenside bunker. He blasted out to five feet and made the putt for a closing birdie. The 36-year-old claimed his 23rd US PGA Tour title and his third since the tour resumed in June after a three-month coronavirus shutdown. He's the first overall points leader since 2009 to win the season-ending showdown for the $15 million (12.6 million euro) playoff prize. Johnson had a head start coming into Eastlake. He began the week on 10-under thanks to his season points edge. Spain's second-ranked Jon Rahm was next on 8-under with third-ranked Thomas on 7-under and others up to 10 shots adrift in the staggered start system. - 'dialed in' - Rahm, who edged Johnson in a playoff at the BMW Championship a week earlier, finished alone in third on 17-under after closing with his second straight 66. Schauffele actually had the week's lowest 72-hole total of 15-under 265, but under the staggered start format he started the week seven adrift. Johnson played 72 holes in 11-under 269. Prior to his dramatic near miss at the BMW Championship, Johnson won the Northern Trust by 11 strokes to seize the world number one ranking. In June, he won the Travelers Championship -- his first title since February 2019. "I'm definitely playing probably the best I've ever played," the 2016 US Open champion said. "I really feel like everything is dialed in pretty well." The Tour Championship marked the official end of the US tour's pandemic-disrupted 2019-2020 season. The 2020-21 season starts this week with the Safeway Open, and while Johnson won't be there he and the world's other top golfers won't be settling down for some rest with the rescheduled US Open coming up at Winged Foot September 17-20. "You've only got a few days," Johnson said.

Johnson wins Tour Championship and $15mn FedEx Cup playoff crown

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday.

Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course.

McIlroy finished the tournament on 18 under, four shots clear of Xander Schauffele, who posted a closing 70 to finish on 14 under.

McIlroy joins Tiger Woods as the only player to win the FedEx Cup playoff series twice.

For McIlroy it was sweet redemption following a disappointing showing in last year's Tour Championship, when he faded from contention with an error-strewn four-over-par 74 in the final round as Woods clinched a memorable victory.

"I didn't enjoy the walk up 18 last year. I played terribly, got myself into the final group, but I never took the fight to Tiger," McIlroy said.&nbsp;

"Going up against the No. 1 player in the world today (Koepka), he got one over on me in Memphis and I wanted to get some revenge today.&nbsp;

"To play like that alongside Brooks and get the win and win the FedEx Cup, it's awesome. It's amazing how different things can be in a year."

McIlroy, playing alongside Koepka in the final pairing, had started the final round one shot behind his partner.

Koepka had taken the lead earlier Sunday after the players returned to the course to complete the third round, which had been abandoned on Saturday after an electrical storm that injured six spectators.

Koepka finished the third round with a closing birdie for a two-under-par 68, edging one shot clear of McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at 15 under.

But Koepka's third round momentum didn't extend to the final.

After matching McIlroy with an early birdie on the sixth, the American's form deserted him with a double-bogey on the seventh while McIlroy snared his second birdie.

Although Koepka picked up a shot with a birdie on the eighth, a trio of bogeys on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes effectively ended his challenge.

McIlroy, who had birdied the 12th and 13th holes to move to four under for the day, gave the chasing pack hope after wobbling with bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes.

However, McIlroy gathered himself brilliantly on the 17th, rolling in a 15ft birdie putt before going on to reach the greenside bunker in two on the par-five 18th.

He made no mistake with his birdie putt to finish with a flourish.

Koepka meanwhile had to settle for a share of third place, his two-over-par 72 leaving him alongside Justin Thomas on 13 under.

England's Paul Casey was fifth on nine under after his final round 72, while Australia's Adam Scott took sixth place on eight under after his four-under-par 66.

This year's PGA Tour Championship was played under a revamped "staggered start" format in which players had been spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings.

Thomas had started the tournament with a score of 10 under, two ahead of Patrick Cantlay on eight under and three clear of Koepka, who began on seven under.

McIlroy meanwhile started five shots off the lead on five under.

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday. Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course.

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday. Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course. McIlroy finished the tournament on 18 under, four shots clear of Xander Schauffele, who posted a closing 70 to finish on 14 under. McIlroy joins Tiger Woods as the only player to win the FedEx Cup playoff series twice. For McIlroy it was sweet redemption following a disappointing showing in last year's Tour Championship, when he faded from contention with an error-strewn four-over-par 74 in the final round as Woods clinched a memorable victory. "I didn't enjoy the walk up 18 last year. I played terribly, got myself into the final group, but I never took the fight to Tiger," McIlroy said. "Going up against the No. 1 player in the world today (Koepka), he got one over on me in Memphis and I wanted to get some revenge today. "To play like that alongside Brooks and get the win and win the FedEx Cup, it's awesome. It's amazing how different things can be in a year." McIlroy, playing alongside Koepka in the final pairing, had started the final round one shot behind his partner. Koepka had taken the lead earlier Sunday after the players returned to the course to complete the third round, which had been abandoned on Saturday after an electrical storm that injured six spectators. Koepka finished the third round with a closing birdie for a two-under-par 68, edging one shot clear of McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at 15 under. But Koepka's third round momentum didn't extend to the final. After matching McIlroy with an early birdie on the sixth, the American's form deserted him with a double-bogey on the seventh while McIlroy snared his second birdie. Although Koepka picked up a shot with a birdie on the eighth, a trio of bogeys on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes effectively ended his challenge. McIlroy, who had birdied the 12th and 13th holes to move to four under for the day, gave the chasing pack hope after wobbling with bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes. However, McIlroy gathered himself brilliantly on the 17th, rolling in a 15ft birdie putt before going on to reach the greenside bunker in two on the par-five 18th. He made no mistake with his birdie putt to finish with a flourish. Koepka meanwhile had to settle for a share of third place, his two-over-par 72 leaving him alongside Justin Thomas on 13 under. England's Paul Casey was fifth on nine under after his final round 72, while Australia's Adam Scott took sixth place on eight under after his four-under-par 66. This year's PGA Tour Championship was played under a revamped "staggered start" format in which players had been spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings. Thomas had started the tournament with a score of 10 under, two ahead of Patrick Cantlay on eight under and three clear of Koepka, who began on seven under. McIlroy meanwhile started five shots off the lead on five under.

Rory McIlroy wins PGA Tour Championship to claim FedEx Cup

World number one Brooks Koepka birdied the 18th hole Friday, capping a three-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead over Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy in the US PGA Tour Championship.

Koepka posted his second straight 67 at East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia.

Under the "staggered start" format by which players were spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings, that put him on 13-under par — one stroke in front of American Thomas and Northern Ireland star McIlroy.

McIlroy capped his 67 with back-to-back birdies, including a bravura finish at 18 where he was in the trees off the tee.

He used a five-wood to fire out and ended up with a good lie in the rough between two bunkers near the green.

"I felt comfortable doing it," Mcilroy said. "I made a four off a bad tee shot, so I'm not complaining."

Thomas — who went into the tournament as the top seed, awarded a two-stroke edge after his win in the BMW Championship — was alone atop the leaderboard at 13- under through 16 holes but slipped back with a bogey at 17 and finished with a two-under 68.

Koepka who started the week three shots off the lead, couldn't get his eight-foot eagle putt to drop at the last, but he tapped in for his fourth birdie of the day.

"I mean, the lead's always nice, so I'll take that," Koepka said. "I played good today. I putted really good. Short game was pretty solid."

Koepka had three straight birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth, but like most he struggled on a tough back nine after a weather delay.

"The rain delay kind of killed any momentum I had," he said. "I didn't feel like I had any good golf shots after the rain delay, but that's part of golf. Everybody's got to deal with the same thing. I just didn't execute."

Thomas also had three front-nine birdies, but he was one-over on the back. He, too, said he "kind of had a hard time getting back into it" after the delay.

"But if I continue to drive it like I did today, I feel like I can really do some damage this weekend," Thomas said. "I just have to realize that I played really well today."

American Xander Schauffele was alone in fourth, his eagle at 18 giving him a 69 that put him two shots off the lead.

Thomas said the day "felt more normal" after the oddity of arriving at the first tee of the tournament on Thursday already credited with a two-shot lead.

The new format is designed to ensure that whoever wins the season finale will also claim the cumulative FedEx Cup playoff title and its $15 million top prize.

World number one Brooks Koepka birdied the 18th hole Friday, capping a three-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead over Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy in the US PGA Tour Championship.

World number one Brooks Koepka birdied the 18th hole Friday, capping a three-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead over Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy in the US PGA Tour Championship. Koepka posted his second straight 67 at East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia. Under the "staggered start" format by which players were spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings, that put him on 13-under par — one stroke in front of American Thomas and Northern Ireland star McIlroy. McIlroy capped his 67 with back-to-back birdies, including a bravura finish at 18 where he was in the trees off the tee. He used a five-wood to fire out and ended up with a good lie in the rough between two bunkers near the green. "I felt comfortable doing it," Mcilroy said. "I made a four off a bad tee shot, so I'm not complaining." Thomas — who went into the tournament as the top seed, awarded a two-stroke edge after his win in the BMW Championship — was alone atop the leaderboard at 13- under through 16 holes but slipped back with a bogey at 17 and finished with a two-under 68. Koepka who started the week three shots off the lead, couldn't get his eight-foot eagle putt to drop at the last, but he tapped in for his fourth birdie of the day. "I mean, the lead's always nice, so I'll take that," Koepka said. "I played good today. I putted really good. Short game was pretty solid." Koepka had three straight birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth, but like most he struggled on a tough back nine after a weather delay. "The rain delay kind of killed any momentum I had," he said. "I didn't feel like I had any good golf shots after the rain delay, but that's part of golf. Everybody's got to deal with the same thing. I just didn't execute." Thomas also had three front-nine birdies, but he was one-over on the back. He, too, said he "kind of had a hard time getting back into it" after the delay. "But if I continue to drive it like I did today, I feel like I can really do some damage this weekend," Thomas said. "I just have to realize that I played really well today." American Xander Schauffele was alone in fourth, his eagle at 18 giving him a 69 that put him two shots off the lead. Thomas said the day "felt more normal" after the oddity of arriving at the first tee of the tournament on Thursday already credited with a two-shot lead. The new format is designed to ensure that whoever wins the season finale will also claim the cumulative FedEx Cup playoff title and its $15 million top prize.

Late birdie lifts Brooks Koepka to Tour Championship lead