Rory McIlroy has agreed with the assertion that LIV Golf "wanted to destroy The European Tour," according to a report from Golfweek. The Northern Irish star, a longtime supporter of the established European circuit, has been a vocal critic of the Saudi-backed breakaway league since its inception.
The comment underscores the ongoing tension between the traditional tours and LIV Golf, which has lured numerous high-profile players with lucrative contracts since launching in 2022. McIlroy has consistently defended the PGA Tour and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) structure, arguing that the team-based, 54-hole format of LIV undermines the history and meritocracy of professional golf.
While the two sides announced a framework agreement in June 2023 to unify the sport's commercial operations, detailed negotiations continue and a final deal has not been reached. McIlroy's latest remarks highlight that significant philosophical differences remain between the sport's established powers and the upstart league.
