Brief
Rory McIlroy says LIV Golf’s relaunch won’t threaten traditional tours
McIlroy argues the bankrupt LIV circuit’s planned 2027 comeback lacks the capital and player base to rival established tours.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Rory McIlroy told the Bloomberg New Economy forum in New Delhi that the breakaway LIV Golf circuit, now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is "half a good idea, executed poorly" and will not pose a threat to the traditional game if it relaunches as LIV 2.0.
What happened
LIV Golf entered U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its $5 billion support. The circuit is seeking a $300 million conditional investment from BC Partners Capital, tied to a minimum number of player sign‑ups. Jon Rahm has already confirmed he will not join the new venture, and the DP World Tour announced that any player who signs with LIV will be barred from its membership and Ryder Cup eligibility.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that the potential $300 million backing is contingent on a specified player count, and that the PGA Tour will impose a one‑year suspension on former LIV players, denying them access until August 2028. The DP World Tour has tightened its rules, though its membership remains divided on readmitting former LIV players.
What was said
"LIV had probably like, half of a good idea that was executed pretty poorly," McIlroy said at the forum. He added that the venture "had a lot of capital but… a lot of that capital was wasted" and that better strategic partnerships with governing bodies could have been pursued. "I would vote for them to come back. A rising tide lifts all boats and I think having some of these players back is beneficial for the business of the tours," he told the same outlet.
How it came about
The LIV circuit was launched with heavy Saudi investment, attracting stars such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA Tour. After the fund’s withdrawal, the league filed for bankruptcy and is now planning a 2027 relaunch, which McIlroy doubts will challenge the established order.
Key facts
- LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States (independent.co.uk)
- Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund invested $5 billion over four years before withdrawing support (independent.co.uk)
- BC Partners Capital is considering a conditional $300 million investment for LIV 2.0 (independent.co.uk)
- Jon Rahm announced he will not join the planned LIV 2.0 (independent.co.uk)
- The PGA Tour will suspend former LIV players for one year, barring them until August 2028 (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Rory McIlroy declares LIV Golf is no longer a threat to the game”
