'PGA Icon' McIlroy: "I'd Rather Retire Than Join LIV Golf"

Genesis Scotty Open 1R Immediate Outburst of Anger
"I Will Not Participate in Tournaments Held as LIV Flagship"

'PGA icon' Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) expressed hostility toward LIV Golf, which is supported by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).

On the 13th (local time), immediately after the first round of the Genesis Scottish Open (total prize money $9 million), a co-hosted event by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) held at The Renaissance Club (par 70, 7,237 yards) in North Berwick, Scotland, McIlroy told reporters, "If there is no stage to play golf other than LIV Golf, I would rather retire," showing his anger.

Rory McIlroy is hitting an iron shot from the rough on the 18th hole during the first round of the Genesis Scottish Open. [North Berwick (Scotland) = AP·Yonhap News]

McIlroy has not hidden his resentment and hostility since LIV Golf launched last year. Recently, during negotiations to establish a joint venture between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, it was revealed at a U.S. Senate hearing that PIF had offered a condition to bring McIlroy to LIV Golf along with Tiger Woods (USA), which intensified his strong opposition.

McIlroy emphasized, "No matter what results come from the upcoming negotiations between the PGA, DP World Tour, and PIF, I will not participate in golf tournaments held under the LIV banner." When the PGA Tour suddenly agreed last month to join hands with PIF and merge the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, he briefly commented, "I feel like a scapegoat." McIlroy fired a 6-under-par 64 in the first round that day, starting tied for 3rd place, three strokes behind the leader. The leader was Byeong-Hun An, who shot 9-under-par 61.

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