McIlroy sees PGA Tour and LIV Golf union as difficult due to “irrational” spending

Rory McIlroy: The Fracture in Golf Persists

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

“You see other sports that have been fractured for a long time,” McIlroy commented at CNBC’s CEO Council Forum. “Consider boxing, or what has happened in motorsports in the United States with Indy and NASCAR. I think for golf in general, it would be better if there was a unification.”

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy added that the current situation makes it very difficult to achieve that unification. “As someone who supports the traditional structure of men’s professional golf, we must realize that we were dealing with people who were acting, in a way, irrationally, only in terms of the capital they were allocating and the money they were spending.”

McIlroy went on to explain LIV’s financial situation. “It’s been four or five years and there hasn’t been a return yet, but they’re going to have to keep spending that money to maintain what they have at the moment. Many of these guys’ contracts are expiring. They’re going to ask for the same amount or an even greater amount. LIV has spent five or six billion US dollars, and they’re going to have to spend another five or six just to stay where they are.” Finally, McIlroy concluded: “I feel much more comfortable being on the PGA Tour’s side than theirs, but who knows what will happen.” LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau has also acknowledged the distance between the parties.

“I would like something important to happen, but I don’t think it will happen in the immediate future,” he told Fox News. “I think there are too many desires from both sides and not enough concessions from the other. We are too separated on many things. It will take some time, but ultimately, I think the game of golf will grow internationally.”

Bryson DeChambeau