Rory McIlroy Reveals Trump's Disdain for LIV Golf Format

Rory McIlroy's Interaction with President Trump

Professional golfer Rory McIlroy said he recently faced off with President Trump on the green, where the current president admitted he’s not a fan of the LIV Golf circuit and prefers the PGA Tour. McIlroy revealed that their conversation took place before Trump's inauguration in January.

Insights from Their Conversation

“I learned that he’s not a fan of the LIV format, which, I was like, but you've hosted their events,” McIlroy told reporters on Wednesday at the Genesis Invitational, where he’s been spotted with Donald Trump Jr. “He's like, ‘Yeah, but it doesn't mean that I like it.’ So I think he's on the tour side.”

Controversy Surrounding LIV Golf

The LIV league was first created in 2021 as an alternative format for professional golfers. It spurred controversy with players and fans due to its association with the Saudi Arabian monarchy’s public investment fund, which finances LIV tournaments and functions. The Trump National Doral resort in Miami hosted LIV’s inaugural competition in October 2022. This year, the site is set to hold the LIV Miami event from April 4-6, one week before the Masters Tournament in Augusta.

LIV players are permitted to play in the DP World Tour, but PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan prohibits PGA Tour players from participating in the competing league's tournaments.