European Tour have no issue with Rory McIlroy's Ryder Cup comments
by Will O'CallaghanEuropean Tour chief executive Keith Pelley says he has no issues with Rory McIlroy for calling for the Ryder Cup to be pushed back until 2021.
The Tour insist they're still planning for the team event to take place at Whistling Straits in September despite the prospect of fans not being able to attend.
McIlroy has joined Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm in calling for a postponement and Pelley says he welcomes dialogue with the players.
"It's not unhelpful, it's the magic of our game," the European Tour CEO told Sky Sports News. "I've talked to Rory numerous times over the last couple of months, and every time I chat with him, I come off the phone with a great feeling.
"He's so intelligent, he's so bright, and I love the way he speaks his mind. I've got no problem with that at all, and it's fantastic for our game. Let's be honest, Rory McIlroy being world No 1 is great for our game and great for the European Tour.
"But we listen very closely and we enjoy the banter regarding the Ryder Cup and whether it will be played behind closed doors, or whether it will be postponed. What I can tell you is there is no definitive decision that's been made yet."