Rory McIlroy has expressed doubt regarding the potential merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, citing concerns over LIV’s financial strategies. During his appearance at the CNBC CEO Council Forum, the five-time major champion acknowledged that some form of unification could benefit the sport, but he emphasized the challenges posed by LIV Golf’s extravagant spending habits.
McIlroy stated, “As someone who supports the traditional structure of men’s professional golf, we have to realize we were trying to deal with people that were acting, in some ways, irrationally, just in terms of the capital they were allocating and the money they were spending.” He highlighted that despite LIV Golf’s hefty investments totaling billions, the organization has not seen a return on its expenditures, which raises questions about its sustainability.
Having poached several big-name players through lucrative contracts, LIV Golf launched in 2022 with the intent to disrupt the PGA Tour. However, after four seasons, the league’s performance has been underwhelming. In 2025, LIV’s television ratings fell significantly short of those of the PGA Tour. Reports indicate that LIV Golf Ltd incurred losses of $590.1 million in 2024, contributing to a staggering overall loss of $1.4 billion since its inception.
Looking ahead, McIlroy notes that LIV’s financiers face a tough decision: they must either consider exiting the venture or continue pouring substantial resources into it in hopes of turning around its fortunes. Remarkably, the organization has also decided to modify its format, moving from the original 54-hole format to a 72-hole format starting in 2026, which may signal a shift in its operational strategy.
Despite the apparent struggles of LIV Golf, the discourse surrounding a potential merger points to a recognition of the need for collaboration in the sport. With golf’s evolution dependent on adaptability, the situation remains fluid, and there is hope that new strategies could emerge to benefit all parties involved.