PGA Star and LIV Star See Unity on Life Support
Rory McIlroy said he’s losing confidence that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will reach an agreement, even though he’s been strongly in favor of unifying the professional game. He said during CNBC’s CEO Council Forum, “For golf in general, it would be better if there was unification, but I just think with what’s happened over the last few years, it’s just going to be very difficult to be able to do that.” McIlroy noted that the divide has grown deeper as negotiations have stalled and frustrations have mounted on both sides. He added that while a resolution remains possible, the path to getting there looks increasingly complicated.
LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau has echoed that pessimism, saying he also “doesn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel.” DeChambeau believes the two sides are “entrenched, and it will take time to get real movement on bringing the game back together.” He said to Fox News, “We’re just too far apart on a lot of things. It’s going to take some time, but ultimately, I do think the game of golf will grow internationally.” DeChambeau suggested that meaningful progress will only come once both camps are willing to compromise on long-held positions. He remains hopeful that patience and continued dialogue could eventually lead to a unified path forward.
LIV has reapplied for Official World Golf Rankings points, changed to 72-hole events, and added a new qualifying route with a Q-School tweak. McIlroy last month said of the move to 72 holes, “It’s a peculiar move because I think they could have got ranking points with three rounds. I don’t think three rounds versus four rounds is what was holding them back.” LIV’s changes are a signal that the breakaway league is full steam ahead under new CEO Scott O’Neil and doesn’t plan to go anywhere. The adjustments also highlight LIV’s continued push for legitimacy within the global golf ecosystem. Analysts note that the expanded structure brings the league closer to traditional formats recognized by major tours. The question remains about whether these steps will be enough to sway ranking officials or reshape the broader landscape of professional golf.
