Rory McIlroy has commented on the recent funding troubles of LIV Golf, stating that the breakaway tour's reliance on Saudi Arabian money always made it vulnerable to a shutdown. Speaking at the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, McIlroy said that the geopolitical situation in the Middle East played a significant role in the Saudis' decision to pull funding.
McIlroy's Assessment of LIV Golf's Situation
“I think everyone knows like with everything that’s happening in the Middle East, that had a lot to do (with it), but whenever you have funding tied so much to the geopolitical landscape in the world, that’s a tricky road to navigate,” McIlroy said on Tuesday. “Their priorities shifted, and that leaves LIV in a pretty precarious spot, but again, that was always a possibility.”
The six-time major champion revealed that he had heard rumors of the Saudis' potential exit months before it became official. “I feel like a lot of us in this room, including me, we almost knew before the players did that this was going to happen,” he said. “I was hearing about this back in March, April time.”
Players Blindsided by Funding Cut
McIlroy mentioned that he asked friends on LIV Golf about the rumors, but they assured him it was business as usual—until it wasn't. “It just feels like the rug was pulled from under their feet and everyone was sort of blindsided by it,” McIlroy said. “But again, that’s the risk that those guys chose to take.”
McIlroy was one of LIV Golf's most vocal critics early on, but later softened his stance and called for the PGA Tour to make a deal with the rival league. Reflecting on his past criticism, he admitted, “I’m glad I was wrong. I can admit when I’m wrong and that was one that I did get wrong.”
Uncertain Future for LIV Golf
When asked about the future of LIV Golf, McIlroy acknowledged that he is as uncertain as anyone else. “I’m not privy to the deals they have. I guess from what I read they’ve got some sponsorship revenue for I don’t know how long that those commitments are,” he said. “If they do somehow get a schedule together for next year, it seems like it’s going to look drastically different to what it’s looked like over the last four years.”
McIlroy's comments come amid ongoing turmoil for LIV Golf, which has faced questions about its financial viability after the Saudi sovereign wealth fund reportedly reduced its support. The PGA Championship continues this week, with McIlroy among the favorites.
