Rory McIlroy: LIV wanted to destroy the DP World Tour

Rory McIlroy has reiterated the allegations against LIV Golf: League representatives reportedly stated at the Masters in Augusta that they wanted to destroy the European Tour. The Northern Irishman made these remarks on November 4 during a press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship. In doing so, he backed DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings, who had previously made similar remarks in an interview with the Scottish newspaper The Scotsman.

“They’ve poached players, poached sponsors, and turned professional golf into an arms race,” McIlroy said. Regarding the alleged statements in Augusta, he explained: “They went around there saying they wanted to destroy the European Tour.”

Kinnings had told The Scotsman that he had been informed by long-standing contacts that one of LIV’s goals had been to destroy the DP World Tour. The reports available do not name specific individuals who are said to have expressed this intention in Augusta. Nor do they provide any independent evidence to support the allegation. McIlroy also did not specify in Abu Dhabi exactly from whom he had heard the statements.

Returning Players Must Prove Themselves in the System

The dispute comes at a time when the DP World Tour plans to tighten its rules for LIV players in 2027. Players who sign with a potential relaunched LIV tour will not be granted membership on the European Tour next year. Former LIV players, on the other hand, are considering a return. Among them are Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Sergio García.

According to The Scotsman, Kinnings must take into account both the interests of current Tour members and the return of former LIV players. There is likely no perfect solution, he said. At the same time, players would have to prove their performance within the system. The debate over returning players is also linked to the Tour’s financial situation and resistance from some members. Read more: DP World Tour in the Red: LIV Stars as an Opportunity – Members Fight Back.

McIlroy backed Kinnings’ approach. He called it ironic that LIV is now talking about complementing rather than competing with other Tours. This differs from what league representatives had said at the beginning of the year.

LIV’s relaunch hangs in the balance

The accusation against LIV comes as the league’s future remains uncertain. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested more than $5 billion in LIV since 2022 and does not intend to continue funding the league after the 2026 season. According to reports by the Financial Times, Bloomberg, and other media outlets, a deal planned by BC Partners worth up to $300 million for LIV 2.0 fell through. Among the reasons cited was an insufficient number of player commitments. Read more in the background report: LIV Golf on the Brink: BC Partners Withdraws $300 Million Bailout.

Reports vary on how many players had actually committed internally. According to available information, four names were publicly known. A spokesperson for BC Partners told Front Office Sports that the company had “not completely pulled out.” LIV had also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Another hearing was scheduled for November 5 before the U.S. bankruptcy court; according to reports, it was to focus on the liquidation of assets.

McIlroy Sees a Need for a “Reset”

McIlroy describes the LIV era as an unusual phase in which players gained more influence over the Tours. He noted that this isn’t automatically good for the long-term health of the sport. At the same time, he acknowledged that the competition had benefited players financially: “There’s never been a better time to be a professional golfer. […] We’re all making more money because of LIV.”

Nevertheless, a readjustment is necessary. LIV has created a “sham economy” in men’s golf, McIlroy said. If the tours are to still exist in 50 years, sustainable business models are needed. In his view, the higher expenses and prize money cannot be justified in the long term solely by competition for players.

McIlroy cited the International Series on the Asian Tour as an example. He said the money had initially been put to good use there. Afterward, however, the Asian Tour was left without sufficient support and moved closer again to the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. In 2026, the tours agreed to a partnership lasting until at least 2029.

The future of the DP World Tour also hinges on how it structures its partnership with the PGA Tour after 2027. According to McIlroy, discussions on this matter are ongoing. He believes the European Tour is well-positioned despite the conflicts and uncertainties—and considers it stronger than it has been in a long time.