Rory McIlroy believes LIV Golf created 'false economy,' voices concerns about the PGA Tour's two-track plan
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- Rory McIlroy called LIV Golf's impact a 'false economy' at Shinnecock Hills, saying it forced the PGA Tour to inflate prize funds, cut fields, and create signature events just to retain talent that could no longer be lured away.
- The PGA Tour's planned two-track system for 2028 would effectively create a 'glorified Korn Ferry event' as the second tier, McIlroy said, specifically warning that the Canadian Open shouldn't be demoted there.
- Signature events with $20 million purses were built as a direct response to LIV's payouts, and McIlroy suggested that with LIV 'less of a threat,' the Tour should consider scaling back the inflated purses the rival created.
- McIlroy said the pre-LIV PGA Tour structure 'was actually pretty good' and warned the Tour is at risk of chasing a 'short-term windfall' at the expense of events rich in tradition and history.
- The PGA Tour has insisted sponsorship appetite is strong enough to sustain the $20 million-plus purse model and grow it further, and announced it will partner with Golf Australia and the DP World Tour starting in 2027 to grow the Australian Open.
Why it matters: McIlroy's comments land as the PGA Tour prepares its biggest structural overhaul since the LIV Golf war. With $20 million signature events already standard and $30 million purses required for top-tier status, traditional events risk demotion to a 'glorified Korn Ferry' tier. If the 'false economy' critique holds, the Tour faces a correction while building a system for a fading rival.
