Rory McIlroy has revealed that LIV Golf members were openly discussing plans to "destroy the European Tour" during this year's Masters tournament, just days before the league's financial backer, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, withdrew its support.
McIlroy's comments align with those of DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings, who shared similar revelations in an interview with The Scotsman. McIlroy agreed with Kinnings, stating that LIV Golf took players and sponsors, turning professional golf into an arms race.
McIlroy criticized the short-term nature of LIV Golf's investment, noting that while they created the International Series on the Asian Tour for a couple of years, they ultimately left the Asian Tour "high and dry." He believes the current landscape is better for long-term sustainability of men's professional golf.
Kinnings also discussed potential schedule changes, suggesting the PGA Tour move its season from February through August to give the DP World Tour a window to take center stage. He addressed the challenge of welcoming back former LIV Golf players while protecting the tour's culture and fairness.
Notable former LIV Golf members set to return to the DP World Tour in 2027 include Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Louis Oosthuizen, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Sergio Garcia, and Ian Poulter. Kinnings indicated that special exemptions for players like Charles Howell III would be for tournaments of lesser stature.
McIlroy highlighted the irony that LIV Golf's rhetoric shifted from "destroying" to "completing and not competing" within a week. He expressed optimism about the DP World Tour's strong position and ongoing negotiations with the PGA Tour for a post-2027 agreement.
