Rory McIlroy claims LIV Golf officials intended to destroy European Tour

Professional golfer Rory McIlroy has supported claims made by DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings that LIV Golf officials expressed intentions to destroy the European Tour. Speaking ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship, McIlroy stated that officials were heard at Augusta National discussing plans to use financial strength to take players and sponsors from the DP World Tour.

McIlroy described the impact of the breakaway league as turning professional golf into an arms race. He also questioned the long-term sustainability of LIV Golf’s financial model, suggesting that the heavy investment would eventually face difficulties once investors fail to see a return or decide to pivot to more profitable ventures.

McIlroy noted that while some funding helped create the International Series on the Asian Tour, the tour was ultimately left in a difficult position. The comments come amid shifts in the professional golf landscape, with several players reportedly returning to the DP World Tour circuit.