Rory McIlroy delivers brutal LIV Golf reality check as players fear massive Saudi backed turmoil

Rory McIlroy did not hide his feelings when he spoke about the growing problems around LIV Golf before the PGA Championship in Philadelphia. The world No. 2 said he had already heard months ago that the Saudi-backed league was heading toward major trouble. His comments came after reports of the Public Investment Fund stepping away from financially supporting LIV Golf in the same way it had over the past few years. Speaking at Aronimink Golf Club ahead of the PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy explained that many people outside LIV Golf knew something serious was happening long before several players inside the league realized it. The four-time major winner said the situation left many LIV golfers shocked, especially because they did not expect such sudden uncertainty around the future of the tour.

Rory McIlroy also made it clear that players who joined LIV Golf accepted the risk that came with leaving the PGA Tour. While he avoided openly mocking anyone, his comments carried a strong message as questions continue to grow around LIV Golf’s future, prize money, and tournament schedule.

Rory McIlroy says LIV Golf players were blindsided as Bryson DeChambeau and others face uncertainty

Rory McIlroy revealed that conversations with Ricky McCormick, who caddies for Tom McKibbin, helped him understand early signs that problems were building inside LIV Golf. McIlroy said he even asked before LIV Golf’s Mexico event whether players had heard anything about possible changes.

He said, “I feel like a lot of us knew before the players did that this was going to happen. Like, I was hearing about this back in March, April time.”

McIlroy added, “One of my best friends, Ricky (McCormick), caddies for Tom McKibbin, who’s over there, and I would talk to him all the time about what was going on. I was saying to Ricky, even before Mexico, ‘Have you guys heard any of this stuff?’ He was like, ‘No, everything seems okay over here’. It just feels like the rug was pulled from under their feet and everyone was sort of blindsided by it.”

The comments came as 11 LIV Golf players, including Bryson DeChambeau, prepared to compete at the PGA Championship. Reports have suggested LIV Golf could reduce its 14-event schedule next season. Prize purses that once reached $30 million may also drop sharply if new funding is not secured.

McIlroy said he is unsure how long LIV Golf can continue in its current form. He explained, “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.”

Away from the LIV Golf discussion, McIlroy also dealt with a small injury concern during practice on Tuesday. He stopped his session after only three holes because of a blister under the nail on his right little toe. Still, the recent Masters champion said his mindset feels much stronger compared to last year, when he struggled to find motivation after finally winning the green jacket.


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