Rory McIlroy Jun 12, 2022; Etobicoke, Ontario, CAN; Rory McIlroy hits hits his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

While many high-profile golfers have defected from the PGA Tour to join the LIV Golf Tour, Rory McIlroy has long been critical of LIV. That continued this week when the star golfer offered some more critical comments toward the Saudi-backed league.

On Tuesday, a court ruled against LIV, denying a temporary restraining order that would have allowed LIV golfers to participate in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. In a news conference on Wednesday, McIlroy revealed that he was pleased with the court’s decision, saying “common sense prevailed,” and calling LIV Golf a “sideshow.”

“I thought it was the right decision,’’ he said according to the Morning Read. “Let’s 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.’’

While McIlroy said that he doesn’t begrudge any player for taking guaranteed money and joining LIV Golf, he does look a little more fondly on the players who did not put their names on the lawsuit against the PGA Tour, like Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones did.

“The thing that I would say, I certainly have a little more respect for the guys that haven’t put their names to the suit,’’ McIlroy said. “I mean, it’s become a little more personal because of that.’’

[Morning Read]