Rory McIlroy left feeling ‘like a sacrificial lamb’ after golf merger
Rory McIlroy admitted he felt like a “sacrificial lamb” and still “hated” LIV Golf as he responded to the shock declaration of peace in golf’s civil war. McIlroy and Tiger Woods had established themselves as the biggest supporters of the PGA Tour in its battle with LIV Golf, but were both kept in the dark about the stunning deal announced on Tuesday. Fellow players reacted with surprise and a sense of betrayal at the news that the PGA Tour and DP World Tour were merging their commercial operations with the golf-related businesses of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls LIV. McIlroy, whose previously close friendship with Sergio Garcia broke down after the Spaniard joined LIV, said: “It’s hard for me to not sit up here and feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb and feeling like I’ve put myself out there and this is what happens. “Removing myself from the situation, I see how this is better for the game of golf, there’s no denying it.” RESTRICTIONS: Takedown: 48 hours after end of tournament. No commercial billboard. No archive. No use on gambling platforms. No social. Mandatory on-screen credit: PGA Tour.
