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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.
In short
- McIlroy says LIV made golf an “arms race”.
- Saudi Arabia’s fund will end LIV backing after 2026.
- LIV is seeking up to $300 million in restructuring finance.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
McIlroy’s criticism reflects concern that a heavily funded rival can draw players and sponsors away from established tours, destabilising the wider game and leaving partner circuits short of support. From this perspective, LIV’s stated ambition to undermine the European circuit and its uncertain finances make the disruption costly, even if it could eventually prompt a more sustainable structure for men’s golf.
The case against
LIV’s investment has also expanded opportunities, including through the International Series, and challenged established tours to compete for players, sponsors and audiences. Supporters could argue that disruption is a legitimate result of new investment and competition, and that LIV’s restructuring does not erase the value it brought to the sport or settle what form a sustainable future should take.