Rory McIlroy has leveled a serious accusation against LIV Golf, asserting that officials from the Saudi-backed circuit openly declared their intention to "destroy" the European Tour. McIlroy stated that this was not merely an emotional outburst but was based on information he claims to have gathered firsthand.
Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, reportedly told The Scotsman that LIV Golf's mission was to "destroy" the European circuit. Kinnings indicated he had heard this intention from "so many different people" he trusts implicitly.
McIlroy, who is participating in the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, confirmed his agreement with Kinnings' remarks. "They were going around Augusta saying they wanted to destroy the European Tour," McIlroy said. He added that LIV Golf's actions led to an "arms race" in professional golf by poaching players and sponsors.
LIV Golf, which launched with significant funding from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), aimed to reshape the professional golf landscape. However, the circuit reportedly ceased funding in April and subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September. The future of LIV Golf, often referred to as 'LIV 2.0', remains uncertain, while many players who joined the circuit are expected to compete on the DP World Tour in 2027.