RORY MILLROY took another swipe at golf's Saudi-backed rebels, and asked if they are really playing for "dirty cash".
The Northern Irish star is aware of the outrage expressed by families of those who lost loved ones at the 9/11 atrocities. It was largely perpetrated by terrorists from Saudi Arabia.
Rory McIlroy showed sympathy for the 9/11 families as he attacked golf's Saudi rebels
Phil Mickelson, one of many American golfers who have come under fire for his participation in the Suadi-backed LIV Gold tour
A survivors' support group, 911familiesunited.org, savaged Phil Mickelson and the rest of the American golfers for joining the controversial new circuit.
They also wrote a second open letter saying that the players should be "ashamed" for Mickelson's attempt to divert criticism at his US Open press conference.
McIlroy, who has nothing to do the breakaway, said that he understood the point of view for those families. Everything that is happening with the new tour legitimizes their place in this world.
"I have spent a lot time in the Middle East, and most of the people I have met there are very kind. There are also bad people.
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"The bad people who came from that area of the world did some truly horrible things. This is why I understand the struggles of these families.
"Everything is interconnected in this age and age."
"It is difficult to distinguish sport from politics, dirty money and clean money.
"I know friends who lost loved ones in the attacks on September 11, 2001. It's really sad. So I sympathize with the families who lost loved ones in 9/11 and understand their frustrations and concerns.
McIlroy (33), claimed that the LIV series was "dead" just a few months back.
He said that he was forced to change his mind after the shocking U-turns by Major champions Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy will be playing at Brookline tomorrow in the US Open. He said: "I guess that I took a lot players' statements at their word." That's where I was wrong.
"Look, everyone has the option to choose where they want to play. They've made their choice.
"My father said to me long ago that once you make your bed, it is yours." They have to accept that decision as theirs and live with it.
"Let's not let the Saudis spend their money on golf. Let's make sure it benefits the entire ecosystem. This is where I'd like to see it go.
McIlroy is driven by something that money can't buy: golfing glory.
He is determined to live up to the legacy of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
McIlroy isn't even aware of Nicklaus' 18 Major record, nor is Tiger Woods' 15 Majors haul. McIlroy is focusing on next month's 150th Open in St Andrews.
McIlroy, who won his eighth-year Major drought with a final-round score of 62 on Sunday, is now the favorite to win it.
He said, "I hope that I'm still building upon my legacy." Golfing terms, I am still young, even though I have been here for a while.
"But winning the largest events is very important to us.
It means a lot to go back to tradition and history, and put your name on trophies with the legends of the sport.
"That's pretty cool. It's something money can't buy. It's something I don't mind admitting -- I want to be that glory!
"Your legacy, reputation, that's all you really have. I believe that 'championing the PGA Tour' is the right thing.
"The Tour was founded by the players who came before us, such as Nicklaus and Palmer.
"The PGA Tour has given me many opportunities," said another important fact.
"But I also think of what they have done for charity. They have literally raised billions over the years.
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"That is a huge legacy that I don't think people talk about enough.
"I have tried to see things from a wider perspective. It's what I believe is right."
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