Rory McIlroy Launches Fresh Attack on LIV Golf Following Patrick Reed’s Comments

Rory McIlroy threw another jab at LIV Golf following the recent comments of Patrick Reed regarding his future and desire to play on the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy Launches Fresh Attack on LIV Golf Following Patrick Reed’s Comments

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed (Image via Imago)

Rory McIlroy once again had something to say about LIV Golf. Following the recent comments of Patrick Reed at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the 5-time major champion launched a fresh attack on the breakaway tour.

LIV Golf suffered a major setback in December last month following the exit of Brooks Koepka. The former World No.1 left the tour despite having one year remaining on his contract. Two weeks after leaving them, he rejoined the PGA Tour and became the first big name to return to the tour.

Last week, Reed and McIlroy participated in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Reed, the 2018 Masters Champion, was asked about a potential return to the PGA Tour. The golfer is ineligible to return through the PGA Tour Returning Member Program.

The golfer admitted he would love to play on the PGA Tour if he were allowed and called it the best tour in the world.

I mean, of course; if it were up to me, I’d play everywhere… I always enjoyed my time out there on the PGA Tour. Let’s be honest, out there, it’s the best tour in the world. Look at what they’ve done in golf … I could see myself playing there at some point again. But right now, you just never know.

Patrick Reed said via The Telegraph

The American international ended up winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. After scores of 69, 66 and 67 in the first three rounds, he had a 4-shot lead going into the final round. Despite a score of 72 in the final round, he ended up as the winner, finishing 14-under par, 4 strokes ahead of runner-up Andy Sullivan.

Before the tournament, Reed mentioned that he had not renewed his contract with LIV Golf. This could thus be his final season with the Saudi-backed tour.

McIlroy, who finished 33rd in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, would react to Reed’s comments. In a fresh attack on the breakaway tour, the World No.2 claimed players are starting to realize that they are not getting everything they wanted from LIV Golf.

You’ve seen others say this recently. Patrick Reed said it in Dubai last week. It seems like some of those guys are maybe starting to realize that they’re not getting everything that they wanted out of going over there (LIV Golf), and that’s obviously a great thing for the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy told the reporters at TGL

Rory McIlroy recently questioned the future of LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy has never been shy of speaking his mind. He recently launched a fresh attack on LIV Golf after the bold comments of Patrick Reed. The Northern Irish golfer had thrown a jab at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) funded a few days back, and questioned their future.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

The dramatic return of Brooks Koepka has played a huge part in this. The ex-Smash GC captain stunned everyone in golf by coming back to the tour after spending 4 seasons with LIV Golf and winning 5 times on the breakaway circuit.

With his return, McIlroy claimed that LIV Golf had not signed anyone who could act as a “needle mover” for them.

They haven’t signed anyone who moves the needle and I don’t think they will. I mean, they could re-sign Bryson (DeChambeau) for hundreds of millions of dollars, but even if they do, it doesn’t change their product, does it? They’ll just be paying for the exact same thing.

Rory McIlroy said as per The Telegraph

In December 2023, LIV Golf signed McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm. The Spaniard was the reigning Masters Champion when he penned down a deal to join LIV Golf. Despite his signing, the league struggled to draw viewers during the early 2024 season.

Apart from the signing of Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, the league has not signed any other high-profile names in the past few years. Following Koepka’s departure, LIV Golf has a huge void to fill.

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