Rory McIlroy strongly backed DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings’ claim that LIV Golf set out to weaken the European-based tour, saying LIV took players and sponsors and fueled an unsustainable spending race. McIlroy said the league’s Saudi backers were likely to leave once they saw little prospect of a financial return, and argued the sport now needs more sustainable business practices. He also believes the DP World Tour could emerge stronger as it works toward a new agreement with the PGA Tour.

By the Numbers
  • McIlroy has won the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai 7 times—1 short of Colin Montgomerie’s record.
  • He is 2nd in this season’s standings, behind Eugenio Chacarra, with 2 tournaments remaining.
  • DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings said LIV spent more than $7 billion, with one aim being to “destroy” the tour.
Yes, But

McIlroy acknowledged that LIV-era competition increased player leverage and earnings, and that LIV-backed events on the Asian Tour produced some benefits. But he said the partnership ultimately left the Asian Tour “high and dry,” and warned that inflated purses created a “false economy” that must reset for tours to remain viable.

State of Play
  • The DP World Tour’s 2027 policy bars players who sign with LIV 2.0 from competing in its events and keeping their memberships.
  • McIlroy is in Abu Dhabi for the season’s penultimate stretch, chasing a record-tying eighth Race to Dubai title.
  • Former LIV players Patrick Reed and Jon Rahm are also in the field; Rahm is making his first start since leaving LIV.
What's Next

The DP World Tour and PGA Tour are working on a new agreement after their current strategic alliance period ends after 2027. McIlroy said a deal could come together in the coming weeks.

Bottom Line

McIlroy’s message is that golf’s financial boom came at a cost: tours need to prioritize long-term stability over escalating player pay and leverage.