There has not been a more outspoken critic of LIV Golf than PGA Tour superstar Rory McIlroy. And even with the “merger” between LIV and the PGA Tour, McIlroy isn’t backing down from his stance against LIV Golf.
Time and time again, McIlroy has proven that there is no love lost between him and LIV Golf. In fact, he’s gone as far as to say that he still “hates” LIV. So it should come as no surprise that he recently made comments that again, showed his disdain for LIV, saying he wouldn’t play for the Saudi-funded league if it was the last one on the planet.
“If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on Earth, I would retire. That’s how I feel about it,” McIlroy told reporters after the first round of the Scottish Open on Thursday. “I’d play the majors, but I’d be pretty comfortable.”
McIlroy, the third-ranked player in the world, has previously expressed frustration that the news is being characterized as a “merger” between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Because he does not see that as what’s happening. And even with the news that LIV Golf was willing to give both he and Woods teams in order to talk them into playing for the league funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment fund, McIlroy isn’t budging from his stance.
As you might expect, McIlroy’s comments received a lot of attention on social media:
“Wouldn't play LIV Golf if last option on Earth”.
@McIlroyRory is an absolute legend. https://t.co/jy3YBDLs8S— Michelle Kinney (@MichelleKinney) July 13, 2023
Before all the idiots start heralding Rory for his petulances. Let’s get the record straight.
He was directly involved in funding golf in KSA prior to LIV. He is not apposed to doing business inside the kingdom he’s just mad he got our maneuvered at every turn.
He wanted to… https://t.co/dkeelIojq4— Red Harrington (@RedHarrington44) July 13, 2023
Rors actually saying it here. What a man. Liv golf never for him! https://t.co/X478hzzwpJ
— RORY FANS (@rory_fans) July 13, 2023
Strike another one off the "best of both worlds" list. 😂😂 https://t.co/VeO27hZfjG
— lawrencedonegan (@lawrencedonegan) July 13, 2023
Love this https://t.co/t29eKqOJHJ
— Sam Lewis (@SammyBoy23) July 13, 2023
Rory is alienating himself from other top players. This is a very bad look – his positioning is similar to the PGA Tour’s initial position.
That didn’t end well for the Tour https://t.co/ZnPP5qbQwO
— Scrambl Golf (@Scramblgolf) July 13, 2023
Once you’ve made FU money, you can say FU. https://t.co/0WWkl4HvG6
— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18) July 13, 2023
Rory should say how he really feels https://t.co/PiNDpEstnW
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) July 13, 2023
The two biggest poker chips throughout — Tiger and Rory — have also been the two most principled people in the process. https://t.co/BzTP5camnE
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) July 13, 2023
[ESPN]
