'PGA Tour And LIV Will Have To Find A Compromise' - Rory McIlroy

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 5 November 2022

When it comes to voicing their thoughts on LIV Golf, Rory McIlroy has arguably been one of the most outspoken, with the four-time Major winner previously calling it "dead in the water" back in February, before later stating in October: "I don’t want a fractured game. The game of golf is ripping itself apart right now and that’s no good for anyone."

Now, in an interview with Golf & Turismo, McIlroy has discussed a potential compromise between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed series, with the 33-year-old stating: "I believe that there is no more time to waste, PGA Tour and LIV will have to find a compromise and speak for the good of our sport."

Rory McIlroy celebrates after winning the 2022 CJ Cup — McIlroy recently moved back to the World No.1 spot

Posed the question whether the two (PGA Tour and LIV) could sit at a table and discuss the future, the Northern Irishman's response was clear (the article has been translated from Italian to English) "Absolutely yes. I believe that there is no more time to waste. The PGA Tour and LIV will have to find a compromise and speak for the good of our sport.

"I don't know when this will happen, certainly not tomorrow, but inevitably an agreement will have to be found. Golf is a small reality and not football where great worlds like Serie A, Champions League, Fifa or Uefa coexist within it. So, all the more reason, we need to stay united and find a way to ensure that, in the future, there are no rifts like the one we are witnessing today."

The actions of both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been pretty clear throughout 2022. At the very first LIV event at Centurion Club in June, the PGA Tour announced bans for all LIV Golf Invitational Series players participating in not only that event, but subsequent tournaments.

Greg Norman during the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok tournament — LIV are set to expand their league for 2023

LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman, has also been extremely vocal about the PGA Tour's action, with the Australian calling the Tour's "hypocrisy" as "deafening," whilst also stating that "we have no intention to try to destroy the PGA Tour."

For 2023, LIV Golf have announced an expansion of their schedule, with a $405 million league reportedly featuring 48 players and 12 established team franchises. While there has yet to be confirmation of the venues earmarked for the League, it is expected that tournaments will take place in North and Latin America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe

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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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