PGA Tour superstar Rory McIlroy made it abundantly clear on Thursday that he has absolutely no interest in playing for LIV Golf after the two tours are merged in the near future.
The merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is not just the biggest story in the sport this year, but one of the most impactful ever. The upstart league backed by an arm of the Saudi Arabian government became a serious player in the industry due to its billions in resources.
Related: PGA Tour Senate hearing reveals shocking merger plans, including Tiger Woods joining LIV Golf
LIV’s ability to lure away top stars with huge sums of money imperiled the PGA Tour and it forced the legendary golf circuit to decide to merge with their rivals under a new company instead of continuing what could be a financially damaging battle in the years ahead.
While the planned merger between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and DP World Tour will bring an end to the growing divide in the sport, there were many not happy with the agreement. Especially among the players in the PGA who passed on massive paydays to stay loyal to the Tour in their fight with LIV.
Rory McIlroy’s Sportsnaut world golf ranking: #3
Rory McIlroy is arguably the biggest star in the sport currently, and he was one of those elite talents who took a strong stance in their loyalty to the PGA and distaste for LIV and its connections to the Saudi government. However, it was revealed during a congressional hearing this week that LIV executives have a strong interest in McIlroy and Tiger Woods taking on major roles in their tour after a merger.
Well, Rory McIlroy made it clear today before his first round at the Scottish Open that he would rather walk away from the sport forever than take part in a LIV event.
“If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on Earth, I would retire. That’s how I feel about it. I’d play the majors, but I’d be pretty comfortable.”
– Rory McIlroy
It is a very bold statement, but you have to admire the golf superstar’s stance in wanting to be a PGA Tour player from start to finish in this developing new world order of professional golf.