Rory McIlroy: "The most uncomfortable I've felt in the last 12 months"

Rory McIroy says he was 'the most uncomfortable I've ever felt in the last 12 months' when he faced the media after the stunning news the PGA Tour had partnered with LIV Golf's Saudi backer. 

McIlroy, 34, told how he felt as if he was the 'sacrificial lamb' having staunchly defended the PGA Tour for the better part of two years.

Despite having learned of the news just hours before, he claimed the deal was ultimately the best thing for the sport. 

The Northern Irishman also said he believed it was sad this week's Canadian Open was overshadowed once again owing to an off-course news story. 

Last year McIlroy was triumphant at Oakdale Golf & Country Club having been involved in an exhilarating three-way tussle with Justin Thomas and Tony Finau. 

McIlroy emerged the winner then fired a dig straight at Greg Norman. How times have changed. 

Here in Toronto, McIlroy opened up his title defence with a 1-under 71. It was a performance that was typical of McIlroy of late. Mixed. Five birdies and four bogeys. 

He was playing alongside England's Justin Rose and revealed they deliberately didn't speak to each other after the first hole so they could just concentrate on golf. 

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McIlroy said:

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He said he is feeling more pressure off the golf course right now. In the past, that had been different. "The most uncomfortable I've felt in the last 12 months was my press conference yesterday," he said. 

McIlroy was also asked about Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Saudi businessman who will be the chairman of the new yet-to-be-named entity between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and DP World Tour. 

He said:

Is he good at golf? McIlroy said:

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