Rory McIlroy has revealed that LIV Golf representatives were openly discussing plans to "destroy the European Tour" during this year's Masters Tournament, just days before the league's financial backer, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, reportedly withdrew its support. McIlroy's remarks align with recent comments from DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings, who detailed the disruptive impact of the rival league in an interview.
McIlroy's Masters revelations
"They were going around Augusta saying they wanted to destroy the European Tour," McIlroy said. "And then, it's ironic that, a week later, now they are talking about completing and not competing and all that. That's different from what they were saying at the start of the year." The four-time major champion added that LIV Golf's spending spree — reportedly over $7 billion — had turned professional golf into an arms race, poaching players and sponsors. While some funds were used to create the International Series on the Asian Tour, McIlroy noted that the Asian Tour was later left "high and dry" before partnering with the PGA Tour and European Tour.
Kinnings outlines DP World Tour strategy
Kinnings confirmed that LIV Golf's stated aim was to "destroy the DP World Tour," a claim he heard from numerous trusted sources within the game. He emphasized the need for a fair, merit-based system for any returning players, while protecting the tour's unique culture. The CEO also expressed interest in shifting the PGA Tour schedule to February through August, giving the DP World Tour a clearer window to showcase its events.
High-profile returns for 2027
Several former LIV Golf members are set to rejoin the DP World Tour in 2027, including Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Louis Oosthuizen, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Sergio Garcia, and Ian Poulter. Kinnings indicated that special exemptions for players such as Charles Howell III would be limited to tournaments of lesser stature. McIlroy believes the influx puts the tour in its strongest position in years, especially as negotiations for a new strategic alliance with the PGA Tour progress.
