Shock merger will be 'good for golf' - McIlroy
BBC Rory McIlroy is defending champion for this week's Canadian Open
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour's shock merger with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) will ultimately be "good for golf", says Rory McIlroy.
The world number three had been a firm defender of the PGA Tour as rivals accepted lucrative deals to join the LIV Golf series, funded by PIF.
Speaking at the Canadian Open, the Northern Irishman said he had "mixed emotions" about the "surprise" deal.
But he added: "[In] 10 years this is going to be good for pro golf."
The four-time major winner continued: "It unifies it and secures its financial future. But there are mixed emotions in there as well.
"It's hard for me to not feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb, feeling like I've put myself out there and this is what happens.
"Removing myself from the situation, I see how this is better for the game of golf, there's no denying it."
Several players left the American PGA Tour and European-based DP World Tour to join the $2bn (1.6bn) LIV circuit when it launched last year, and McIlroy, who had been a staunch critic, could not hide his feelings on Wednesday when he said: "I hate LIV. I hope it goes away now."
