Scott O’Neil has message for Rory McIlroy as he addresses LIV Golf demise rumors

Amid rumors the circuit was set to get shut down, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has come out and defended its future, sending a message to critics like Rory McIlroy

LIV Golf South Africa is ongoing even as rumors surround the circuit's future

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LIV Golf South Africa is ongoing even as rumors surround the circuit’s future(Image: Getty Images)

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil insisted the golf world is better with his circuit running, after dismissing rumors of its shutdown.

LIV Golf has been firmly in the spotlight this week after executives were called to an emergency meeting on Tuesday, sparking speculation that the league’s future may be uncertain. It’s been rumored that the Saudi Arabia PIF may pull funding from the project, following a change in direction across several sports after years of extreme investment.

The concerning reports were shut down by O’Neil, who insisted that LIV Golf was still following a “full throttle” approach. However, there are rumors that PIF funding will come to an end at the end of the 2026 season due to a change in priorities.

Still, O’Neill is presenting a united front. He appeared on the broadcast at LIV Golf Mexico City, addressing the recent rumors publicly and insisting his circuit was here for the foreseeable future.

“I know there are some people rooting against LIV Golf — I understand that,” O’Neil said. “But is golf better without LIV Golf? Should all the best events in the world be in the continental U.S.? Is that right?

“Should we be targeting 60-year-old men, or should we put the focus on the global game? Should we put some focus on the next generation of fans?”

He added: “If I am a PGA Tour player, I want LIV to survive. These prize purses are pretty good. Competition is good for business… I think there’s a lot more to gain with LIV Golf here than LIV Golf gone.”

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil defended the circuit in golf's ecosystem on Thursday

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LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil defended the circuit in golf’s ecosystem on Thursday(Image: X @NUCLRGOLF)

O’Neil’s comments are for LIV Golf’s chief detractors — including back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman has been a key critic of LIV Golf since its launch as a rival to the PGA Tour.

Before LIV’s launch in 2022, McIlroy insisted the project was “dead in the water” following rumors that several PGA Tour players declined to join the Saudi-backed circuit.

But LIV Golf persists, and McIlroy’s stance has softened in recent times.

“[LIV] is not for me, I am too much of a traditionalist,” McIlroy told ESPN in 2024.

“I love winning golf tournaments and looking at the trophy and seeing Sam Sneyd won this trophy, or Ben Hogan, or Gene Sarazen, or Jack Nicklaus, or Gary Player, or Tiger Woods, or Nick Faldo, or whoever it is.

“The people that came before me. That to me is a big deal in our game.”