Rory McIlroy Says LIV Golf Is Shedding Floor as PGA Tour Regains Energy

Rory McIlroy believes LIV Golf is not the disruptive drive it as soon as was, arguing that its Saudi-backed operation now faces a pricey battle simply to stay related within the skilled golf world.

In his view, momentum has quietly shifted again towards the PGA Tour.

LIV Golf’s Momentum Appears to Be Slipping

Questions round LIV Golf’s long-term future intensified following Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour. Despite going through a considerable high quality and restrictions, Koepka’s choice sends a robust sign: high gamers could not view LIV because the superior choice.

While LIV nonetheless options recognizable names, it has struggled to safe a very game-changing signing in latest seasons. McIlroy famous that even retaining stars like Bryson DeChambeau on large contracts wouldn’t resolve LIV’s deeper points.

Pouring lots of of thousands and thousands extra into the league would merely protect the identical product, not enhance it.

More importantly, dropping Koepka, one in all LIV’s largest aggressive and industrial attracts, solely reinforces considerations in regards to the league’s declining leverage.

PGA Tour Gains Financial Independence

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour has strengthened its place by securing main non-public funding, considerably decreasing its reliance on a possible merger with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

McIlroy instructed earlier talks stalled as a result of significant compromise got here from just one aspect.

With contemporary capital in place, the PGA Tour not wants a deal to outlive or broaden. That stability permits management to deal with bettering the product reasonably than chasing monetary safety.

Leaner Fields and Stronger Competition

According to Telegraph UK, McIlroy helps the Tour’s push towards smaller fields and a extra streamlined schedule. He believes fewer gamers per occasion will increase aggressive requirements and improve fan engagement, reinforcing the PGA Tour’s conventional strengths reasonably than diluting them.

For McIlroy, high quality, not extra, is the trail ahead.

McIlroy Confident and In Form

Speaking in Dubai after his first aggressive spherical of the season, McIlroy reaffirmed his dedication to the PGA Tour each philosophically and competitively.

Fresh off finishing the profession Grand Slam in 2025, he opened with a five-under 66, indicating that his type stays elite.

His efficiency mirrored his outlook: assured, managed, and centered on the lengthy sport.