Rory McIlroy's Comments on LIV Golf Changes
LIV Golf star Lee Westwood responded to Rory McIlroy's remarks after LIV announced major changes for 2026. McIlroy called the proposed changes "peculiar" ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links.
LIV Golf's Format Change for 2026
The breakaway league, funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced a shift from 54-hole events to 72-hole formats starting next year. This aligns LIV events with other professional golf tours such as the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
This change is notable since the "LIV" name references the 54-hole format in Roman numerals.
Ranking Points and LIV Golf
It is believed that the format change aims to enable LIV players to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which they have not been able to earn in LIV-run events so far.
Lee Westwood's Response
Westwood, once McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate, addressed McIlroy's comments in a talkSPORT interview:
"I don't know. I don't pay too much attention to what Rory says, really. He'll change his mind for next week."
Author's summary: Lee Westwood downplays Rory McIlroy's critique of LIV Golf's 2026 format changes, suggesting McIlroy may reconsider his view soon.