By Karim Hammam
Rory McIlroy has said individuals connected to LIV Golf expressed an ambition to "destroy the European Tour" during the Masters this year, only months before the Saudi-backed league filed for bankruptcy protection. The world number two, speaking at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, backed DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings' claim that LIV had a stated aim to dismantle the tour.
LIV Golf's stated aim
"They took players; they took sponsors; they turned professional golf into an arms race," McIlroy said. "They were going around Augusta saying they wanted to destroy the European Tour." Kinnings had earlier told the Scotsman that LIV's intention was to "destroy the DP World Tour."
Bankruptcy and potential revival
The Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing after investing more than $5 billion, leading LIV Golf to file for bankruptcy protection last month. A possible $300 million financing package from BC Partners Credit could lead to a revived "LIV 2.0," but leading players Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia have already departed.
McIlroy calls for reset
McIlroy believes the episode created a "false economy" in men's professional golf and that a reset is needed for long-term sustainability. "If you want sustainable tours, and we want these tours around in 50 years' time, there has to be sustainable business practices in place," he said.
Race to Dubai chase
McIlroy is competing in Abu Dhabi this week as he bids to win the Race to Dubai for a record-equalling eighth time. He trails leader Eugenio Chacarra by 999.03 points, with 1,500 points on offer at the Yas Links event and a further 2,000 at next week's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
