McIlroy backs Kinnings over LIV Golf claims and calls for financial reset

Rory McIlroy has backed DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings over claims that LIV Golf sought to undermine the European circuit, while calling for a more sustainable financial structure in men's professional golf. Speaking in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, the six-time major champion said people connected with LIV had expressed that ambition at this year's Masters, BBC Sport reported.

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McIlroy's comments followed Kinnings' interview with The Scotsman, in which the executive said trusted contacts had told him that damaging the DP World Tour was among LIV's aims. McIlroy supported that account and accused the breakaway league of drawing away players and sponsors. Those assertions remain allegations attributed to the two men, rather than an independently established statement of LIV's intentions.

Sky Sports reported that it had approached LIV Golf for comment on Kinnings' claims, which McIlroy repeated. Its report did not include a response from the league. The broadcaster also reported that Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Sergio Garcia had confirmed they would not sign again with LIV as it seeks a 2027 relaunch.

The dispute comes as LIV attempts to rebuild after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its financial support. BBC Sport reported that the league had filed for bankruptcy protection and that potential financing from BC Partners Credit could support a revised competition. The prospect of that funding does not, by itself, establish how the relaunched league will operate.

McIlroy said the competition for players had inflated the economics of professional golf and increased their bargaining power over established tours. According to Sky Sports, he argued that reducing that financial competition could help the game's long-term health, even if some players considered the change less beneficial to them personally.

Separately, Associated Press reporting published by Medicine Hat News described Kinnings' efforts to balance returning LIV players with the interests of existing members. Kinnings said returning golfers would have to earn their place through the tour's system. He also indicated that some invitations could be directed towards smaller European tour events between February and August, when many leading players are competing on the PGA Tour.