Rory McIlroy has backed DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings’ claim that LIV Golf set out to “destroy” the European circuit. The Northern Irishman spoke to reporters on Wednesday ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship, where he is seeking a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.
Kinnings recently said golfers who join “LIV 2.0” will not be eligible to play on the DP World Tour in 2027. He described the policy as a choice between competing on one tour or the other, saying the DP World Tour had a duty to protect its members and the circuit.
In comments reported by the Scotsman, Kinnings said he had heard from people he trusted that one of LIV’s aims was to destroy the DP World Tour. He also defended how the tour treats its staff, suppliers and contractors, saying they are paid on time and with respect.
Asked about Kinnings’ remarks after a practice round at Yas Links, McIlroy said: “I agree with everything that Guy said.” He added that LIV had taken players and sponsors and “turned professional golf into an arms race”, and said the league had gone to Augusta claiming it wanted to destroy the European Tour.
LIV Golf is trying to secure funding to continue and has seen several high-profile players leave since the end of the season, including Jon Rahm and Sergio García. McIlroy said he had expected the project to do well for a few years, but suggested that its future could be affected if investors saw no return or shifted their money elsewhere.
McIlroy, who plays on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, said men’s professional golf needed a reset. He noted that LIV had given players more leverage and helped increase earnings, but said the sport needed a better balance between players and tours.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.