Masters champion Rory McIlroy has taken a swipe at LIV Golf's financial difficulties, stopping short of opposing players returning to the PGA Tour. The Northern Irishman, one of the most vocal critics of the Saudi-backed breakaway league, made his remarks after shooting a four-under 67 to remain in contention at the Truist Championship.
LIV Golf's Future in Doubt
The long-term viability of LIV Golf has been called into question after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed plans to withdraw its financial support at the end of the year. The fund has invested over £4 billion into the project since its launch in 2022. Earlier this week, Bryson DeChambeau hinted he would focus on his YouTube channel if LIV collapses, rather than return to the PGA Tour as Brooks Koepka did earlier this year. The PGA Tour amended its rules in December to facilitate Koepka's comeback, with specific conditions. However, Jon Rahm, DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith chose not to take the time-limited opportunity.
McIlroy's Stance
“I think everyone sort of knows my views on LIV and where it stands in the game of golf,” McIlroy said. “I don't think I need to rehash any of that. It's never been for me. They're going to go and try and find alternative investment, whatever that may look like. But when one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in the world thinks that you're too expensive for them, that sort of says something.”
When asked about players possibly returning to the PGA Tour, McIlroy added: “It's a question if they do want to come back. I think there's going to be a lot of bridges to cross to get there. I think Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this Tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that. That's just good business practice. I'm not going to judge anyone for not wanting to play on the PGA Tour. If you want to be the most competitive golfer you can be, this is the place to be. And if you don't want to play here, I think that says something about you.”
Strong Performance at Truist Championship
McIlroy, competing for the first time since winning consecutive Green Jackets at Augusta National almost a month ago, displayed strong form ahead of the US PGA Championship, the season's second major. The four-time winner at this event dropped a stroke at his second hole after a wayward approach but bounced back with six birdies before a bogey at the last gave him a 67. He sits in a share of eighth place on five under par, four shots behind leader Sungjae Im.
“I hit a lot closer, especially on some of the par threes,” McIlroy remarked. “Holed a couple of extra putts which always helps. It was a solid day. Overall it was a good day, and it was a good day to get myself back in the hunt and feel like I have a real chance going into the weekend.”
South Korea's Im carded three birdies and one bogey for a 69. McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood sits second on eight under after back-to-back rounds of 67. England's Alex Fitzpatrick, fresh from his Zurich Classic win alongside brother Matt, shares third place with Justin Thomas after both carded 68 to reach seven under.
