Rory McIlroy admits he was ‘too judgmental’ in criticising LIV players

• Irishman became de facto voice of opposition to project
• I've just accepted the fact this is part of our sport now'

Rory McIlroy has conceded he was too judgmental" in his criticisms of those who joined the breakaway LIV Golf Tour.

McIlroy took a strident position against the big-money venture, which tempted a host of top names with lavish paydays and disrupted the established order of the PGA and European Tours. The Northern Irishman became the de facto voice of opposition to the project, which has continued to divide the sport, and said during last year's Ryder Cup in Rome that the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter would miss being part of the European team more than they would be missed.