The number one in the world, Rory McIlroypointed out that the misunderstanding between the PGA Tours and the LIV Golf Series is “out of control” and it can leave the game “broken” for a long time.
The Saudi-backed LIV series has attracted some of the PGA Tour’s top members with large sums of money, while those joining the rogue circuit have been banned by the US-based circuit. LIV filed suit accusing the PGA Tour of antitrust violations, while the PGA Tour responded.
“The ‘us versus them’ thing has gotten out of hand”, said McIlroy, one of LIV Golf’s fiercest critics, in remarks to ‘The Guardian’. “If the two entities continue to strengthen their position, the dispute will be irreversible. We will have a fractured sport for a long time. That’s not good for anyone”, lamented the Northern Irishman.
Several of McIlroy’s former Ryder Cup teammates, including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, have joined the controversial circuit and it is unclear whether they will be allowed to participate in next year’s golfing event. In fact, Henrik Stenson was stripped of the captaincy of Team Europe after joining the Saudi-backed series.
“I think it was the first time in my life that I felt betrayed, in any way”, said. “You build relationships with these people through the Ryder Cup and other things. Knowing that what they’re going to do is risk them not being a part of it anymore? I like to think that the Ryder Cup is as important to them as it is to me. Could be. But knowing what the consequences could be, I couldn’t make that decision,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy said players should have tried to resolve their issues using standard settings instead of switching to LIV. “I feel like they left the place where they were able to build their legacy and build their brand”he explained. “If people feel aggrieved about certain things, they would rather try to make those changes from within the walls than try to fix the problems and be disruptive,” he concluded.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
