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Rory McIlroy comments on LIV Golf’s struggles and suggests exactly what they got wrong

Rory McIlroy has offered a critical assessment of LIV Golf’s financial mismanagement, arguing that the league’s downfall stemmed from poor execution despite its initial promise. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, McIlroy noted that LIV had ‘half of a good idea’ but squandered its substantial funding on enriching already high-earning players rather than investing in strategic partnerships with golf’s governing bodies.

The league’s rapid decline culminated in a September bankruptcy filing, with several top names already set to depart ahead of the 2027 season. Once seen as a potential merger partner with the PGA Tour—even after a White House meeting to discuss a deal—the Saudi-backed venture has now lost the backing of the Public Investment Fund, effectively ending its ambitions to challenge the PGA Tour and DP World Tour’s dominance.

McIlroy’s remarks underscore how LIV’s failure to collaborate with golf’s established authorities left it unable to capitalize on its early successes, such as expanding the game’s reach in overlooked markets like Australia and South Africa through high-profile events. The PGA Tour, meanwhile, is poised to reshape its global calendar starting in 2028, a shift directly influenced by LIV’s brief but disruptive presence in the sport.

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