McIlroy Says LIV Sought to Undermine European Tour

Rory McIlroy supported European tour chief executive Guy Kinnings’ claim that LIV Golf had aimed to weaken the DP World Tour. McIlroy spoke at the Abu Dhabi Championship on November 4, as several former LIV players prepare to rejoin the European circuit in 2027.

Kinnings said LIV had spent more than $7 billion and that people he trusted had told him one of its goals was to destroy the tour. He said the DP World Tour must balance welcoming back players with protecting its members and the circuit’s standing.

McIlroy said LIV’s arrival took players and sponsors and turned professional golf into an arms race. He also said its members had spoken about destroying the European Tour at Augusta National. McIlroy contrasted that with LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil’s more recent message of “complete, not compete.”

LIV is facing financial difficulties after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing. The league is proceeding through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with a $300 million financing commitment from BC Partners Credit. Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Sergio Garcia are among those set to return to the European Tour; other former LIV players are also expected to seek places.

Kinnings said returning players would need to demonstrate their ability through the tour’s system. Some invitations are expected to go to smaller events between February and August, when many leading players compete on the PGA Tour.