McIlroy sees PGA Tour and LIV Golf union as difficult: “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, pointing out that the “irrational” investment of the LIV series has deepened the division in this sport. The hope of 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 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 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. But I think with what has happened in recent years, it’s going to be very difficult to achieve.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy, who supports the traditional structure of men’s professional golf, indicated that they are facing people who act in a, in a way, irrational manner, in terms of capital investment and spending money.

The golfer also highlighted the magnitude of LIV’s spending, which has already invested billions of dollars without a clear return. In addition, McIlroy predicts that the league will have to continue investing large sums to maintain its position, given that many player contracts are about to expire and they will seek renewals with equal or higher figures. In this context, LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau agrees that the parties are currently very distant.

I wish something important would happen, but I don’t think it will happen in the immediate future. I think there are too many demands on both sides and not enough concessions on the other. We are too far apart on many things. It will take time, but ultimately, I think golf will grow internationally.

Bryson DeChambeau