The claim that LIV Golf wanted to destroy the European Tour is no longer speculation – Rory McIlroy himself has substantiated the accusation. The Northern Irishman fully backed Guy Kinnings, the CEO of the DP World Tour, who described LIV's aggressive strategy as an attempt to destroy the established circuit, thus turning professional golf into a real arms race.
McIlroy, at the start of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, affirmed Kinnings' report, according to which LIV-affiliated figures allegedly spoke openly about eliminating the European Tour during the 2026 Masters in Augusta. LIV deliberately poached players and sponsors, plunging the entire men's professional golf into an "arms race" and massively distorting the market.
Bubble Economy at the Tee
For McIlroy, the whole thing is an "artificial economy." He describes the exorbitant player payments as a bubble economy that is not sustainable. Reports state that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has withdrawn its support after investments of over $5 billion, and LIV subsequently had to file for bankruptcy protection. A clear sign that the system is faltering. The alleged intention to "destroy" the DP World Tour stands in stark contrast to later statements that they merely wanted to "complement" golf, not combat it.
Hard Cut for Defectors?
McIlroy's comments give a significant boost to the DP World Tour, which is tightening its stance against LIV players. From 2027, Jon Rahm and Sergio García could be among the prominent ex-members whose participation and membership are to be restricted. McIlroy's support strengthens the Tour in its position – it's not just about sporting disputes, but institutional survival. McIlroy himself is currently in third place in the Race to Dubai, directly behind Eugenio Chacarra and Patrick Reed.
