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Rory McIlroy makes serious accusation about LIV Golf wanting to ‘destroy’ the European Tour
Rory McIlroy has backed DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings’ claim that LIV Golf sought to “destroy” the European circuit. McIlroy said LIV took players and sponsors and turned professional golf into an arms race, adding that its representatives had spoken about this aim at Augusta.
The article says LIV was funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and recruited prominent players as it tried to reshape professional golf. It did not destroy the DP World Tour; the article reports that funding was halted after the Masters in April and LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September. Its future is uncertain, while former LIV players plan to compete on the DP World Tour in 2027.
In short
- McIlroy agreed LIV aimed to destroy the DP World Tour.
- He said LIV took players and sponsors.
- LIV’s future is uncertain after funding cuts and bankruptcy.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
McIlroy’s accusation is supported by LIV’s recruitment of prominent players and sponsors, which diverted talent and resources from the established European circuit. Its rapid expansion and spending could reasonably be seen as an attempt to weaken rival tours and reshape professional golf, even though the DP World Tour survived.
The case against
LIV could be viewed as a new competitor seeking to attract players, sponsors and audiences in a sport dominated by established tours, rather than aiming to destroy the European circuit. Taking part in an arms race or discussing ambitious plans does not by itself establish that intention, and the reported uncertainty over LIV’s future leaves its long-term aims open to question.