4x major champion Rory McIlroy shares Champions League-style World Golf tour vision

Rory McIlroy has now shared his vision about a World Golf Tour for the future of the sport.

4x major champion Rory McIlroy shares Champions League-style World Golf tour vision

Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

As the talks about the golf merger continues, Rory McIlroy has now suggested a new vision. The four-time major champion now wants to see a Champions League-style World Golf Tour.

Speaking at the Genesis Invitational on Saturday, McIlroy compared how the Champions League in soccer is considered one of the best leagues in the world. He now wants a similar type of system in golf where top players from around the world compete under one tour.

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He emphasizes importance of including countries from southern hemisphere, like from Australia and other countries as well as nations from the far east, such as Korea and China. McIlroy also recognizes the significance of the Middle East, particularly Saudi. The tour would span from east to west, eventually returning to the United States for spring and summertime events.

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I would think it would be one tour. I think you would just create a tour for the top 80 players in the world... The way I look at it, it would be like [the] Champions League in European football. It sort of sits above the rest of the leagues.
Rory McIlroy speaking on his vision of golf as per Sports Illustrated.

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods not on same page regarding return of LIV Golfers without punishment

Golfers like Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau found themselves in hot water with the PGA Tour when they switched over to LIV Golf. This fueled a heated rivalry between the two leagues that lasted for nearly two years. However, in a surprising twist, the PGA Tour announced last June that they were in talks with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, aiming to unite the world of professional golf under one unified banner.

In a historic deal this, LIV Golfers could be given the chance to regain their PGA Tour privileges, potentially putting an end to competition. Initially hesitant about the breakaway league, McIlroy is now backing the players’ return, asking for their comeback without facing penalties. This vision of his though has not been met by Tiger Woods.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

McIlroy voiced his belief that if players are still eligible for the tour and want to come back, they should be welcomed. He stressed the importance not punishing individuals and admitted to shift in his viewpoint on the issue. The golfer pointed out the negative impact of having a weakened PGA Tour or LIV Tour, stating that it is harmful to everyone involved.

However, as per reports, McIlroy’s stance has not been welcomed by many golfers accepted including Woods. The fate of these rebellious players seeking a return to the PGA Tour remains uncertain, as negotiations continue to pose a challenge.

Despite this, Woods did admit that he is involved in the “daily” conversation of potential returns of LIV Golfers. The golf great also claimed that the tour is looking into different models which could pave a way back for them. It now remains to be seen whether they will be allowed to be back on the tour without any penalties or not.

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