Rory McIlroy backs claim LIV Golf tried to ‘destroy’ DP World Tour, calls for reset in men’s golf

File Image: Rory McIlroy backed DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings’ criticism of LIV Golf and called for a reset in men’s professional golf. | Photo Credit: AP

Six-time major champion Rory McIlroy has backed DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings’ allegation that LIV Golf sought to undermine the European circuit, while calling for a reset in men’s professional golf following years of financial competition between rival tours.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday ahead of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links, McIlroy supported Kinnings’ recent comments in an interview with The Scotsman, in which the tour chief accused LIV Golf of attempting to destroy the DP World Tour.

“I agree with everything that Guy said,” McIlroy said. “They took players; they took sponsors; they turned professional golf into an arms race. They were going around Augusta saying they wanted to destroy The European Tour.”

Kinnings had claimed that LIV Golf spent more than $7 billion, with one of its objectives allegedly being to weaken the European circuit. He said the DP World Tour had a responsibility to protect its members and defend its position in professional golf.

The tour has consequently adopted a firm stance ahead of the 2027 season, with players who sign up for the proposed LIV Golf relaunch, dubbed ‘LIV 2.0’, set to be ineligible to compete on the DP World Tour.

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The decision comes amid uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf’s future following the withdrawal of financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Several prominent players, including Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia, have also left the breakaway circuit since the conclusion of the 2026 season.

McIlroy, who has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf, suggested that its financial model was unlikely to remain sustainable indefinitely, particularly if investors failed to secure adequate returns.

The Northern Irishman also acknowledged that LIV’s emergence had significantly increased players’ bargaining power and earnings across professional golf, although he questioned whether the resulting financial competition had benefited the sport in the long term.

“I think we’ll look back on it as a very strange time,” McIlroy said. “It gave players a lot of leverage over the tours, and I don’t necessarily think that’s a good thing for the overall health of the professional game.”

The 37-year-old believes the sport now needs to find a better balance between players’ financial interests and the long-term stability of its established tours.

“I think there has to be a balance there. There has to be a bit of give and take,” he added.

McIlroy is competing in Abu Dhabi this week as he continues his pursuit of an eighth Race to Dubai title, which would see him equal Colin Montgomerie’s record.