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Rory McIlroy exposes LIV Golf’s biggest mistake as its bankruptcy battle intensifies

Rory McIlroy has delivered a sharp critique of LIV Golf’s financial strategy, calling its approach a 'half a good idea' poorly executed as the league grapples with Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi during the DP World India Championship, McIlroy suggested the Saudi-backed circuit could have leveraged its $5 billion+ investment more wisely by collaborating with established golf organizations instead of lavishly signing already high-earning stars.

His remarks contrast with his earlier stance in 2022, when he and Tiger Woods were vocal critics of LIV’s launch, a decision that now appears prescient given the league’s current struggles. McIlroy also signaled openness to welcoming LIV players back to the DP World Tour, marking a shift from his harder line two years ago.

The league’s financial missteps are laid bare by its 2023 season, where Talor Gooch alone earned over $36 million—including an $18 million individual championship bonus—highlighting the unsustainable payouts that drew stars like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA Tour. LIV’s inaugural tournament in 2022, held outside London, set a record with Charl Schwartzel’s $4.75 million prize, but the league’s reliance on short-term star power has left it vulnerable as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced plans to withdraw funding by 2026.

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