GOLF: Outspoken Rory McIlroy says LIV and PGA merger is for the best
June 9, 2023
Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy says he has made peace with the merger between LIV Golf and the PGA and DP World Tours.
The four-time Major winner was a staunch opponent of LIV Golf, but speaking to the media at The Canadian Open he said that the merger was probably the best long-term outcome for everyone.
“It’s hard for me to not feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb, feeling like I’ve put myself out there and this is what happens.
“But removing myself from the situation, I see how this is better for the game of golf, there’s no denying it,” he said.
LIV Golf was formed and run by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the former World Number One said that it was inevitable that money was going to talk.
“All I’ve wanted to do is protect the aspirational nature of the PGA Tour,” he said.
“This company sits above everything. Anyone involved with LIV now answers to Jay Monahan (the PGA Tour Commissioner).
“Whether you like it or not, the PIF is going to keep spending money on golf. Now the PGA Tour is going to control how that money is spent.
“Would you rather have one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds as a partner or an enemy? At the end of the day, money talks, and you’d rather have them as a partner,” he said.
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GOLF: Outspoken Rory McIlroy says LIV and PGA merger is for the best
Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy says he has made peace with the merger between LIV Golf and the PGA and DP World Tours.
The four-time Major winner was a staunch opponent of LIV Golf, but speaking to the media at The Canadian Open he said that the merger was probably the best long-term outcome for everyone.
“It’s hard for me to not feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb, feeling like I’ve put myself out there and this is what happens.
“But removing myself from the situation, I see how this is better for the game of golf, there’s no denying it,” he said.
LIV Golf was formed and run by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the former World Number One said that it was inevitable that money was going to talk.
“All I’ve wanted to do is protect the aspirational nature of the PGA Tour,” he said.
“This company sits above everything. Anyone involved with LIV now answers to Jay Monahan (the PGA Tour Commissioner).
“Whether you like it or not, the PIF is going to keep spending money on golf. Now the PGA Tour is going to control how that money is spent.
“Would you rather have one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds as a partner or an enemy? At the end of the day, money talks, and you’d rather have them as a partner,” he said.