Rory McIlroy is near the top of the PLAYERS Championship, but he had to earn his 5-under 67 the hard way as his struggles off the tee continue.

Rory McIlroy was asked about the incident that occurred during one of his practice rounds before The Players Championship, but he was in no mood to discuss it

Lucas Glover, J.J. Spaun and Camilo Villegas each shot a 6-under 66, but the top of the leaderboard is jammed after Thursday.

Rory McIlroy has been known to take some sharp U-turns on his opinions over the last few years, particularly as it relates to the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He was willing to state another position Wednesday as strong as any.

Rory McIlroy made his feelings clear about the option of playing on the Champions Tour, and many of his colleagues did not like his approach.

McIlroy, who added that he still has plenty of things he hopes to accomplish in his golf career, has myriad interests outside of golf including as the co-founder of TGL and a growing business portfolio,

If context is king, Rory McIlroy’s press conference early Wednesday at The Players Championship certainly needs its share of qualifiers. On the eve of the circuit’s flagship event, the Northern Irishman was asked about a potential career on the PGA Tour Champions and the headlines were immediately predictable: “McIlroy on senior tour: Absolutely not.

Rory McIlroy supported the idea of moving big events outside of America and pointed to one tournament that he believes should be elevated.