Lee Westwood dismisses Rory McIlroy’s critique of LIV Golf changes
Lee Westwood has dismissed Rory McIlroy’s critique of LIV Golf’s transition to 72-hole tournaments, declaring he pays little heed to the Northern Irishman’s views, reports BritPanorama.
Westwood made his remarks during an appearance on talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show, responding to McIlroy’s description of the format change as “peculiar.” The former world number one stated, “I don’t pay too much attention to what Rory says, really. He’ll change his mind for next week.”
The sharp retort follows McIlroy’s concerns regarding the Saudi-backed league’s shift from its signature 54-hole format starting in 2026, which he suggested represents a retreat from its original disruptive vision.
During the same segment, Westwood championed the forthcoming changes, asserting that the shift would benefit players, sponsors, and fans alike by allowing more golf to be showcased. “They get to see another day’s golf,” he explained.
Westwood acknowledged that securing Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points was part of the rationale for the decision. He noted, “I think [OWGR points] is one of the angles behind it,” while also recognizing that 54-hole events had previously earned ranking points. The four-round format, he opined, would help satisfy the criteria necessary for world ranking recognition.
The Saudi-funded league has faced commercial challenges since its inception in 2022, struggling to establish credibility despite attracting high-profile players such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. The lack of world ranking points has particularly affected players without major championship exemptions, jeopardizing their careers due to potential ranking declines after leaving the PGA Tour.
Established stars have also faced difficulties at major events, with Tyrrell Hatton’s fourth-place finish at this year’s US Open marking LIV’s strongest major showing in 2025. Across 14 majors since the league’s launch, only two victories have come from LIV players—Brooks Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship triumph and DeChambeau’s 2024 US Open success.
Westwood revealed that several LIV players had expressed concerns about the competitive disadvantages of preparing for major championships while participating in three-round events. “Some of the guys focused their whole season around the major championships. And playing 54 holes was putting them at a bit of a disadvantage,” he explained, indicating a desire for a format that mirrored major championship conditions.
Two-time major winner Jon Rahm has publicly endorsed the changes, characterising the decision as beneficial for players in his statement accompanying LIV Golf’s announcement on Tuesday.
The shift marks a significant moment in LIV Golf’s evolution, illuminating the complexities of navigating competitive integrity and commercial viability in contemporary professional golf.
