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Newsweek
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Rory McIlroy Issues Clear Message on What PGA Tour Must Learn From LIV Golf
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After years of resistance, Rory McIlroy is finally leaning into the idea that LIV Golf might have gotten a few things right. The five-time major winner, once the PGA Tour's loudest critic of the renegade league, has softened his stance in recent months. From joking around with Bryson DeChambeau on the set of "Happy Gilmore 2" to openly admitting he and others should have been "more open-minded" about the PGA-LIV merger, McIlroy is now urging the PGA Tour to take notes from LIV's playbook, especially when it comes to attracting younger fans. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his second shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11,... AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his second shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by) More Getty Images "I think tapping into a different demographic. You know, if you talk about being a golf purist and a traditionalist, and I think that's the PGA Tour appeals to that type of golf fan," McIlroy stated on the "How Leaders Lead with David Novak" podcast. "Where LIV (Golf) appeals to a completely different demographic ... the average age of a golfer in the United States is over 60 years old. So, how can you tap into this younger demographic where hopefully they're gonna hopefully gonna watch golf for, you know, the remainder of their life?" "So, being a little more forward-thinking and having a little more vision, I think it is something that LIV (Golf) has done pretty well," McIlroy commented during his interview posted on YouTube last week. McIlroy's comments come at a time when the PGA Tour is still the most-watched golf platform globally, but LIV Golf has made undeniable waves. Though LIV Golf stopped reporting its TV ratings, claiming it has made it challenging to determine its current viewership situation. But the comparisons with the PGA Tour show a significant gap. According to reports from the PGA Tour averaged 3.1 million viewers on CBS/NBC during head-to-head Sundays in May, while LIV pulled in just 175,000 on FOX/FS1/FS2. Even during LIV's best weekend, Miami in April, reports suggest the league's 484K viewers were dwarfed by the PGA Tour's 1.7 million for the Valero Texas Open. Still, McIlroy believes the disruption was a necessary wake-up call for the PGA Tour. "They've definitely been a disruptor in the game of golf, he told Novak as quoted. "Sometimes things need a shakeup and if anything, I think it was a bit of a wake-up call for the PGA Tour to maybe focus a little bit more on the future." He didn't shy away from criticizing LIV Golf's format, calling out the 54-hole structure, shotgun starts and team element, that he thinks still needs But at the same time, acknowledged that the league had to launch with an imperfect product. McIlroy's broader message was clear that the PGA Tour must evolve or risk losing relevance. "There are so many inbuilt advantages that the PGA Tour has over LIV (Golf) ... But at the end of the day, all of that stuff goes away -- the sponsorship deals and media rights -- if people aren't willing to watch and engage with the product you're putting out there." And while he reaffirmed the PGA Tour's dominance, he also highlighted the growing desire among fans to see the best players compete together again. "A lot of people that I talk to are outside of the golf world that just enjoy watch golf, would much rather all the best players be together again," the grand slam winner stated in the podcast released after his Open Championship battle in Scotland. That sentiment is echoed by new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, who took office on July. Rolapp, a former NFL executive, has already emphasized the importance of "growing the Tour" and "moving on from a position of strength". His relationship with LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, dating back to their time at Harvard Business School, could be key in navigating future unification talks. As McIlroy put it, "We just need to see the bigger picture and try to do what's best for the game of golf." And with both sides inching toward common ground, that picture might finally be coming into focus. More Golf: PGA Tour pro goes unrecognized in 'undercover' club fitting video
Newsweek
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Rory McIlroy Shows Faith in Luke Donald Amid Ian Poulter's Ryder Cup Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Rory McIlroy was recently spotted soaking up the sun at a beach club in Saint-Tropez, where the Masters champion gave the perfect reply to a fan asking about his green jacket. "It's on the yacht," McIlroy replied as captured in a viral video posted by NUCLR Golf on X. But while his vacation video went viral on social media, McIlroy's recent interview with David Novak reflected that he certainly hasn't drifted from the next big battle at Bethpage Black. TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 16: Luke Donald of England and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walk on the eighth hole during a practice round prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July... TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 16: Luke Donald of England and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walk on the eighth hole during a practice round prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 16, 2024 in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by) More Getty Images The Northern Irishman became the first automatic qualifier for Team Europe, marking his eighth consecutive Ryder Cup. "I've played in seven of them. I really hope I play in seven more. I don't know if seven is achievable, but it's the best experience you can have as a professional golfer. It's amazing," McIlroy shared on the 'How Leaders Lead with David Novak' podcast. He spoke about the intensity of representing Europe and how being "sort of talisman for the European Team and trying to lead by example and trying to set the tone and ... bring the rookies along" makes him absolutely "love that stuff." But that was not all. The five-time major winner also showcased his faith in the European team captain, Luke Donald, giving a strong reply to doubters. Rory McIlroy shows confidence in Luke Donald Just a few days ago, Ian Poulter publicly warned Team Europe to brace for the sheer volume and intensity awaiting them at Bethpage. "Luke (Donald) has got a venue in Bethpage Black that is going to be very loud, very raucous. We've had numerous events at that location in the past, so they certainly know what they are going to be in for," Poulter told Sky Sports. But McIlroy's string of praise for Donald and his team showcased the solid status of Europe. ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 01: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe celebrates winning his match 3&1 with Luke Donald, Captain of Team Europe on the 17th green during the Sunday singles matches of the 2023 Ryder... ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 01: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe celebrates winning his match 3&1 with Luke Donald, Captain of Team Europe on the 17th green during the Sunday singles matches of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club on October 01, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by) More Getty Images "The one thing about Luke was his demeanor, his tone, his whole attitude throughout the week (Ryder Cup 2024) never changed," McIlroy told Novak during the interview posted on YouTube. "That's the sort of, you know, steady ... rock-like leadership that ... if you're a team and you're looking at your captain and he looks like that all the time, that just gives you so much confidence," he continued to tell Novak as quoted. "Whether he (Donald) thinks he knows what he's doing, but he looked like he knew what he was doing, right?" McIlroy added how the European captain "just had this air of complete confidence and comfort and every time a player looked (at Donald), they just got the sense that, you know, no matter what happens, this guy's got everything under control. And that is, you know, to have a leader like that is amazing." Donald's calm presence in Rome left a lasting impression last year, and that kind of leadership might be exactly what Europe needs in New York as team Keegan Bradley gears up to bring back the trophy home. More Golf: Jon Rahm, Lee Westwood Slam OWGR System Ahead of Ryder Cup Selection
