Rory McIlroy issued some strong words for LIV Golf rivals following the merger with the PGA Tour.
The Northern Irishman was one of the strongest defenders of the PGA and possibly the fiercest critic of LIV since the controversial circuit was established a year ago. He tried his utmost to keep the PGA at the forefront as some of the tour’s biggest names defected to their rivals.
But Tuesday’s shock announcement has left the 34-year-old with a bad taste in his mouth and he has demanded action be taken against rival players who jumped ship when the two organisations now merge together again.
Speaking at the Canadian Open, McIlroy said of those who left: "There still has to be actions. The people who left the PGA Tour... we can't just let them back in."
Saudi Arabia’s influence in the world of sport continues to grow after their recent involvement in boxing, football, and WWE shows, in addition to golf. Players who made the jump to LIV were accused of assisting the Saudi regime in using sports to change their image.
When asked about the nation’s growing influence in sport, McIlroy said: “I've come to terms with it. I've resigned myself to the fact that this is what's going to happen.”
Several PGA players were left furious with the likes of McIlroy and Tiger Woods unaware of the mega move. The world number three rejected a £400 million to join LIV, while Woods turned down £650 million to make the switch. The four-time major winner attended a meeting with PGA Tour players and commissioner Jay Monahan where they expressed their anger at finding out the news via social media.
Monahan, who was also one of LIV’s biggest critics, admitted he understands if he were to be branded a hypocrite after agreeing a deal with LIV.
"I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," he said. "Any time I've said anything I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players."
He added: "I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point. It probably didn't seem this way to them, but as I looked to those players that have been loyal to the PGA Tour, I'm confident they made the right decision.”
