Rory on Champions tour at 50? 'Absolutely not'

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

He is not playing the PGA Tour Champions when he turns 50.

"Absolutely not," McIlroy said with a smile.

The topic came up during a discussion on how difficult it can be to retire from golf, given the nature of the game that allows players to leave when they want.

McIlroy, 35, would like to retire even when he still can win -- "with a little bit left in the tank," he added.

That's when someone brought up the 50-and-older circuit, and McIlroy drew the line.

"Look, I've said a lot of absolutes in my time that I've walked back," McIlroy said. "But I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has went terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50."