McIlroy sees PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger as difficult: “Irrational spending”

Rory McIlroy: The Fracture in Golf Persists

The renowned golfer Rory McIlroy has expressed his doubts about the possibility of an early reconciliation in the world of golf, noting that the “irrational” investment of the LIV series has deepened the division in this sport. Hope for a union arose after the merger proposal, after the Saudi LIV league attracted several stars with millionaire contracts in 2021. However, more than two and a half years after this proposal, the parties involved do not seem to be any closer to reaching an agreement.

We see other sports that have been fractured for a long time, like boxing or motor racing in the United States. For golf, unification would be better. But, I think that with what has happened in recent years, it will be very difficult to achieve.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy, a staunch defender of the traditional structure of men’s professional golf, acknowledges the difficulty of negotiating with those who have acted in a way that is, in a certain sense, irrational in terms of investment and expenses.

The golfer has pointed out that, after four or five years, results have still not been seen, and that it will be necessary to continue investing to maintain what exists. The contracts of many players are about to expire, and they will seek to maintain or even increase their income. McIlroy estimates that LIV has invested between five and six billion U.S. dollars, and will need a similar amount to stay afloat. He concludes that he feels more comfortable on the PGA Tour side, although the future remains uncertain. Bryson DeChambeau, LIV golfer, agrees that the parties are distanced.

I would like something important to happen, but I don’t think it will happen in the immediate future. I think there are too many demands from both sides and few concessions.

Bryson DeChambeau

DeChambeau believes it will take time, but he is confident that golf will grow internationally.