'It's splitting the game': McIlroy calls for peace talks amid LIV turmoil

Rory McIlroy has urged the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to “come together” with LIV Golf.

Tension is continuing to escalate between those defecting to the breakaway series and their parent circuits, with the PGA Tour issuing indefinite suspensions to any player making the switch, while the DP World Tour banned members from competing in three upcoming events due to their participation.

This included the Scottish Open, a sanction which was not carried out for four players – including Ian Poulter – following a successful injunction.

With legal battles seemingly inevitable, McIlroy believes a compromise is now necessary to put an end to this disruptive narrative.

“I think everyone needs to come together a little bit more,” he told the BBC. “I wish it hadn’t got that messy. In hindsight, there were probably steps that were missed that wouldn’t have made it as messy.

“Everyone has to pivot and change and try to be better and hopefully get to that stage but all the narrative isn’t good. It’s splitting the game instead of everyone coming together.”

A host of top golfers have now left the PGA and DP World Tours to join the controversial LIV tour. It's funded by Saudi Arabia, a country with a poor human rights record. Rory McIlroy had his say – and told BBC Newsline he's disappointed it's descended into a legal dispute. pic.twitter.com/42CSnrIFnm
— BBC Newsline (@bbcnewsline) July 5, 2022

Throughout this saga, McIlroy has become a flag bearer for the PGA Tour. Previously, the Northern Irishman criticised fellow Tour pros for defecting to the Saudi-funded series, branding them as “selfish”.

Now, however, he believes the turmoil will end up having a positive effect on the game of golf.

“I understand people’s reservations with things but at the same time, if these people are serious about investing billions of dollars into golf, I think ultimately that’s a good thing but it has to be done the right way.

“I think if they were to invest, having it be invested inside the existing structures. That’s the thing I’ve tried to advocate for over the last few months.”