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Rory McIlroy hails ‘common sense’ after judge’s decision to uphold LIV Golf ban

Rory McIlroy has described the decision to uphold bans on LIV Golf players from the upcoming FedEx Cup playoffs as ‘common sense’.

The lucrative trio of events kickstarts on Thursday with the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and McIlroy is part of a stacked field.

Three LIV Golf representatives – Talor Gooch, Matt Jones and Hudson Swafford – went down the legal route to try and have their bans lifted, however a US court ruled that the suspensions be upheld.

rory mcilroy
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates an eagle on the 10th green during Day Three of The 150th Open at St Andrews Old Course on July 16, 2022 in St Andrews, Scotland. Pic: Richard Heathcote/R&A via Getty Images

‘From my vantage point common sense prevailed and I thought it was the right decision,’ McIlroy said.

‘It lets us focus on the important stuff, which is the golf.

‘We can all move forward and not have that sideshow going on for the next few weeks, which is nice.

Former FedEx Cup winner and LIV Golf star Dustin Johnson is banned from the event. Pic: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

McIlroy has been the chief spokesperson for the PGA Tour in terms of the players when it has come to the issue of the Saudi-funded breakaway league, which has already poached big names like former FedEx Cup winner Dustin Johnson.

The Irishman believes his new albeit unplanned responsibilities have benefited his golf of late, as evidenced by his Canadian Open win.

‘I don’t feel like it’s my job to be up here and sticking up for the PGA Tour or being a spokesperson, it’s just the role I’ve found myself in.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland steps onto the first tee box during the first round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 23, 2022 in Cromwell, Connecticut. Pic: Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

‘I feel when I then get myself inside the ropes I feel that no-one can get to me and that’s really nice.

‘It’s made the golf more enjoyable; if anything it has probably helped my golf.’