Number 1 of the World Rory McIlroy said the feud between the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf Series was “out of control” and warned it could leave the sport fractured for a long time.
In an interview with The GuardianMcIlroy described the atmosphere in the game as “we vs. them” and said that the escalation of the feud is likely to become “irreparable.”
The Saudi Arabia-backed LIV series has attracted some of the top PGA Tour members with huge sums of money, while rival circuit entrants have been suspended by the US-based organization.
LIV filed a lawsuit alleging antitrust violations by the PGA Tour, while the PGA Tour filed an objection.
“We and them” has spiraled out of control, says McIlroy.
“If the two entities continue to double in both directions, it will become irreparable. We’re going to have a fractured sport for a long time. That’s not good for anyone. .”
Some of McIlroy’s former teammates at the Ryder Cup, including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garciajoined the circuit and it is unclear if they will be allowed to be featured in next year’s event.
Henrik Stenson was stripped of the Team Europe captaincy after participating in the Saudi Arabia-backed series.
“I think this is the first time in my life that I feel betrayed, in a way,” added McIlroy. “You build relationships with these people through Ryder Cups and other things. They know that what they’re about to do will make it impossible for them to be a part of that again?
“I like to think that the Ryder Cup means as much to them as it does to me. Maybe it does. But no matter what the consequences might be, I could never make that decision. “
McIlroy said players should try to solve their problems with established tours rather than switching to LIV.
“I feel like I am a place that has both built my legacy and built my brand,” he added.
“If people get too upset about certain things, I’d rather try to make those changes from within the walls than try to go out and mess around.”
McIlroy is back to number 1 in the world thanks to win the CJ . Cup in South Carolina on Sunday.
