McIlroy Downplays Value of LIV Golf Players: "Are They Really Worth It?"

Men's golf world number two Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland has voiced criticism downplaying players competing in LIV Golf.

Speaking at a press conference held today (the 20th) at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, ahead of the PGA Tour's BMW Championship, McIlroy said, "While (the PGA Tour and LIV Golf) will eventually integrate, I question what kind of value the players who played in LIV Golf will actually bring back to the PGA Tour."

LIV Golf faces an existential crisis as Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has decided to cut off financial support starting after this year.

McIlroy has strongly criticized players who left the PGA Tour for money when LIV Golf was first launched.

McIlroy lashed out, stating, "Even if LIV Golf players return to the PGA Tour, they won't be welcomed, and the path to returning will be very, very difficult."

On the other hand, world number one Scottie Scheffler of the United States does not oppose the return of LIV Golf players, but maintains that some form of disciplinary action is necessary.

He said, "There are some truly exceptional players in LIV Golf," adding, "I want to compete against them, but (regarding the return issue) I definitely think there needs to be some kind of disciplinary penalty."

Meanwhile, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neill announced plans to host five team championships outside the United States and five individual events within the U.S. in 2027.

O'Neill stated that he has been in contact with potential investors for LIV Golf, though he did not disclose any names.

Local media outlets have reported that the major investor is the investment firm BC Partners.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.