“It's just not for me” - Rory McIlroy doubles down on LIV Golf comments

Rory McIlroy, one of the biggest names in professional golf, had doubled down on his comments regarding the LIV Golf tour, suggesting it’s highly unlikely he will ever take part in the event.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith, the former number one in the world rankings suggested that a sense of traditionalism, along with his appreciation of his fellow players, continues to sway him away from LIV Golf and towards existing formats, which he believes serves the game better.

When asked whether or not he would join LIV Golf, McIlroy stated:

‘It’s not for me. I’m too much of a traditionalist… I love winning golf tournaments and looking at the trophy and seeing that Sam Snead won this trophy, or Ben Hogan or Gene Sarazen or Jack Nicklaus or Gary Player or Tiger Woods or Nick Faldo. Whoever it is, the people who came before me. That, to me, is a big deal in our game. If we were all to put our heads together and be like, “Ok, what can we all do to all come back together and move forward and be a little more cohesive?” then I would sort of be for that.’

Previously, McIIlroy had been said to be ‘softening’ on the idea of participating in the LIV Golf league, with the Irishman stating he was “somewhere in the middle” on choosing whether or not to play. However, his recent comments seemingly confirm his distaste for the tour and his preference for longstanding events and golf history.

For those in favour of LIV Golf, McIIlroy’s comments could be seen as an overly traditionalist point of view, which could ultimately hold the game back. However, given McIlroy’s multiple endorsements from the sport’s biggest names and his enthusiasm to push the sport forward through technology - including offering input in such impressive tools as the Trackman Virtual Golf Simulator - it’s safe to say McIlroy has the best for the sport at heart.

What is LIV Golf?

LIV Golf is a professional international golf tournament in a team championship style, created with the intention to rival the biggest tournaments in the game, including the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. 

Funded by the Public Investment Fund (the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia) LIV Golf has been noted as being another component of the Saudi government’s attempts to shine a brighter and more favourable spotlight on the country through international sporting and entertainment events. Other such events the country has hosted or created through the initiative in recent years include large-scale boxing, snooker, and professional wrestling events, to name but a few.

While in competition with the above-mentioned tournaments, LIV Golf tournaments are scheduled to avoid conflict, allowing some of the sport’s most famous names to compete in established events on other golf courses as well as the new format.

The location of the tournaments has been a real talking point. When first introduced, many of the games were played in the United States, drawing questions as to whether or not LIV players would get the chance to compete internationally. However, for current and future events in LIV Golf, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Miami, and Latin America have all since been pencilled in as sites.

Why do a lot of people dislike LIV Golf?

Given golf is a sport with such a rich and revered history, it should come as no surprise that there are many fans and players the world over who disapprove of LIV Golf. It has been seen as an attempt by the Saudis to draw attention away from potential human rights violations by investing in and promoting the country’s love of sport. 

However, many are displeased that the format has forcibly launched itself to the top of the international golf pecking order by simply throwing cash at some of the world’s best players, clubs, and people of influence; a position other tournaments have spent decades working towards.

Then, there’s the issue of the gargantuan amounts of money involved, for seemingly very little effort. The team element of the tour has meant that players with less impressive scores and records have been able to walk away with millions as a result of their teammates' impressive showings.

Add to this the fact that the ‘superstars’ of the sport (names like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods) are missing from the LIV roster, and the whole thing is leaving many fans and golf enthusiasts with a bitter taste in their mouths.

Do LIV Golf events need more big-name players to make an impact?

Rory McIlroy’s name being exempt from the LIV Golf lineup will surely be received as a thorn in the side of the event’s organisers, along with other major names refusing to take part for similar reasons. But given the amount of money involved and the already impressive international exposure the new tour is receiving, don’t expect LIV Golf to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Have ambitions of playing in LIV Golf in the future? Work on perfecting your swing from the privacy of your own home with a Trackman Virtual Golf Simulator from Black Box Golf. 

Click the above link for more information or get in touch to speak with a member of the team.