LIV turned professional golf into an ‘arms race’, says McIlroy

Rory McIlroy said LIV Golf had turned professional golf into an “arms race” by taking players and sponsors from rival tours. He backed DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings’ criticism that LIV had sought to undermine the European circuit, citing comments at this year’s Masters about wanting to destroy it.

McIlroy said LIV’s investment had helped create the International Series on the Asian Tour, but argued that the Asian Tour was later left without sufficient support. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has invested more than $5 billion in LIV since its 2022 launch and will end its backing after the 2026 season; LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September and has proposed financing of up to $300 million as it restructures. McIlroy said the disruption could leave men’s golf on a more sustainable footing.