Rory McIlroy has suggested that the return of LIV Golf defectors to the PGA Tour would be a financially sound decision for the established circuit, amidst uncertainty surrounding the future of the Saudi-backed breakaway series. The comments come as LIV Golf faces questions about its long-term financial backing.
Key Takeaways
- Rory McIlroy believes reintegrating LIV Golf players into the PGA Tour would be "good business".
- He questions LIV Golf’s ability to secure new financial backing after the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced its withdrawal of support.
- McIlroy maintains his personal stance against LIV Golf but acknowledges the potential benefits of a unified tour.
Doubts over LIV Golf’s future
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) declared in April that it would cease its substantial financial backing of LIV Golf at the end of the year. In response, LIV Golf announced a "strategic evolution," including the formation of an independent board, as it seeks alternative investors.
McIlroy, who has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf, expressed skepticism about the series’ prospects of finding new funding. "When one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in the world thinks that you’re too expensive for them, that sort of says something," he commented.
Bryson DeChambeau, a prominent LIV Golf player, has indicated that he would focus on his YouTube channel and play only in tournaments that are receptive to him if LIV Golf does not continue.
A pragmatic approach to tour unity
Speaking after his second round at the Truist Championship, McIlroy stated, "It’s a question if [players] do want to come back… And, you know, it seems like it all depends on what happens to LIV."
He added, "But if it is a scenario where they have the option to come back and play on the traditional tours, you know, I think [PGA Tour chief executive] Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that."
McIlroy concluded, "That’s just good business practice."
McIlroy’s consistent stance
While advocating for a potentially beneficial business move, McIlroy reiterated his personal reservations about LIV Golf. "I think everyone sort of knows my views on LIV and where it stands in the game of golf. I don’t think I need to rehash any of that. It’s never been for me," he said.
He acknowledged that LIV Golf might persist by seeking alternative investment. "It doesn’t mean that LIV is going to go away. They’re going to go and try and find alternative investment, whatever that may look like."
