Rory McIlroy has blasted LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson for his "bold" claim that the established PGA Tour is "trending downwards" following the arrival of the Saudi-funded breakaway series.
Mickelson has become a divisive figure within golf since moving to LIV, which is headed by Greg Norman.
The six-time major champion made the headlines once again last week ahead of LIV's penultimate event of its maiden season in the Saudi city of Jeddah when he spoke about the breakaway circuit's success while aiming a dig at the PGA Tour, where he has played most of his professional career.
Read more: Graeme McDowell earns big prize for finishing 41st at LIV golf but ranking falls
He said: "I see LIV Golf trending upwards, I see the PGA Tour trending downwards, and I love the side that I’m on."
Those comments have attracted plenty of criticism, with Jon Rahm rubbishing his American rival's opinion.
And now Northern Ireland star McIlroy has waded into the debate.
He told reporters ahead of this week’s CJ Cup.: "I don’t agree with what Phil said. I understand why he said it because of the position he is in but I don’t think anyone with a logical view can agree with what he said.”
Both sides of the PGA Tour vs LIV divide have been eager to make their case in recent months which has led to an ugly civil war within golf, and McIlroy believes there is only one party to blame, while slamming the "propaganda", reports the Mirror.
Phil Mickelson has proved a divisive figure following his move to LIV Golf (Image: Getty Images)
He added: "I have spoken about this at length. I think the people that have decided to stay here and play these tournaments, they haven’t done anything different to what we have always done.
"We are playing these events, we are PGA Tour members and we have stuck to the system that’s traditionally been there. The guys that have gone over to LIV, they’re the ones that have made the disruption and put the golf world in flux right now.
"For them to be talking the way they are – it's bold, and there is a lot of propaganda being used and all sorts of stuff. I certainly don’t see the PGA Tour trending downwards at all.
"You have got 95% of the talent here. People like Tom Kim coming through; they are the future of the game."
Read next:
- Shane Lowry and caddie Bo Martin in NSFW first drink/last drink TikTok challenge
How much money did Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry earn at this year's Open Championship?
The shrewd investments paying rich dividends for Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy amazes US crowd with incredible drive before 'total brain collapse'
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
