Rory McIlroy stated that LIV Golf officials openly expressed a desire to dismantle the European circuit during a visit to Augusta National earlier this year. His comments come in the wake of statements made by DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings regarding the rival circuit’s tactics.
McIlroy Backs Kinnings’ Claims
Speaking ahead of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship as reported by Sky Sports, McIlroy backed the assessment made by Kinnings in an interview with The Scotsman. According to McIlroy, the rival organisation targeted tournaments and corporate backers while transforming the sport into an aggressive arms race.
“I agree with everything that Guy said,” McIlroy stated. “They took players; they took sponsors; they turned professional golf into an arms race. They were going around Augusta saying they wanted to destroy The European Tour (DP World Tour). Yeah, I agree with everything. I think people that don’t agree are probably very short-sighted.”
McIlroy also discussed the impact of LIV Golf’s financial involvement on the Asian Tour through the International Series, suggesting the arrangement ultimately left the partner tour unsupported. He noted that the initiative eventually aligned back with the PGA Tour and the European Tour after investors realized the lack of a return or shifted focus to profitable ventures.
A Period of Instability and Reset
Following recent departures such as Jon Rahm, who stated he left LIV Golf because he was unwilling to follow the circuit’s new direction, McIlroy reflected on a turbulent era for the sport. He described the period as a strange time that provided athletes with excessive leverage over traditional tours.
“They created a false economy within men’s professional golf, and I think that there is going to be a bit of a reset here – just for things to be a little bit more sustainable,” McIlroy explained, adding that sustainable business practices are essential for the long-term survival of professional tours over the next 50 years.
Sky Sports contacted LIV Golf for comment regarding the remarks made by Kinnings and McIlroy.
