Photo via Yahoo Sports

Rory McIlroy Bolsters DP World Tour Value Amid LIV Turmoil

Rory McIlroy continues to anchor the DP World Tour as its most valuable asset during a turbulent period in professional golf. With LIV Golf facing financial and operational challenges, McIlroy’s global appeal and deep ties to both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour provide critical stability.

The tour’s CEO, Guy Kinnings, has outlined ambitious expansion plans, including increasing the number of national opens from 13 to 17 by 2027—a move McIlroy’s influence is expected to drive. Kinnings has called the six-time major champion an ‘immense asset,’ highlighting his ability to attract global audiences, particularly in emerging markets like India, and elevate the tour’s prestige through high-profile events in regions such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Australia.

McIlroy’s presence also adds competitive depth, as LIV-affiliated players are permitted to compete on the DP World Tour while remaining ineligible for the PGA Tour, creating a dynamic scheduling clash. On the course, McIlroy is locked in a tight race for a record-tying eighth Order of Merit title, trailing Patrick Reed by 308 points heading into the Open de España.

With four of the last five Race to Dubai titles already in his pocket, a victory would tie him with Colin Montgomerie’s legendary eight titles, further cementing his legacy as the tour’s defining figurehead.

Up nextGolf· 55m ago

What Brooks Koepka did on the PGA Tour this year could have hurt Jon Rahm’s chances of getting a deal from Brian Rolapp