Golf legend Ernie Els has pushed back against Rory McIlroy after he ruled out a future on the Champions Tour.
McIlroy was asked about his thoughts on retirement ahead of The Players Championship on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old, who turned pro in 2007, admitted he would like to walk away with ‘a bit left in the tank’ so he doesn’t ’embarrass himself’.
He said: “I’d like to walk away maybe a little before I should. Put it that way.”
McIlroy was then pressed on whether he has ever considered a future on the Champions Tour – a PGA Tour circuit for past winners over 50.
Without hesitating, the four-time major winner replied: “Absolutely not.
“I will not play Champions Tour golf. Look, I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf.
“Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”
McIlroy has already won more than $150million on the golf course during an 18-year career which is still going strong – so he can certainly afford to step back whenever it suits him.
But four-time major winner Els responded by telling McIlroy he may wish to revisit those comments in 15 years.
“Interesting to read @McIlroyRory comments today,” Els wrote on social media.
“At 35 years old I was also bullet proof saying things about not playing past 50. I’m 55 now and laughing at my comments from back then.
“@ChampionsTour golf is so fulfilling with a great bunch of players we all grew up together from junior golf. Our sponsors and partners are wonderful companies and people. Competition is a powerful tool!”
McIlroy was speaking amid questions over the golfing future of close friend Tiger Woods, who recently ruptured his Achilles.
Woods looks set to be sidelined until 2026, having only recently recovered from his sixth back surgery.
The 49-year-old, who has 15 major titles and more than $1billion in the bank, has been questioned for his ongoing attempts to compete despite the lingering affects of a near fatal car crash in 2021.
However, there are suggestions Woods will compete on the Champions Tour when he becomes eligible in December this year.
Interestingly, Woods would be able to use a golf cart on the Champions Tour, removing many of his physical challenges.
The American has never committed to the senior circuit but Harrington, who has won there eight times, recently revealed it is very much part of Woods’ future plans.
“I met Tiger recently and he said he was looking forward to coming out onto the Champions Tour,” Harrington told Today’s Golfer in 2024. “So he has an intention of playing.
“I think his words were, ‘I can’t wait to beat you out on the Champions Tour’, or something like that.
“He doesn’t want me to have it all my own way, let’s put it like that! I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
