World number one Rory McIlroy has said the PGA-LIV feud is “out of control” and warned it could leave the sport fractured for a long time.
In an interview given to GuardianMcIlroy described the game’s atmosphere as “us versus them” and said the escalating feud will likely become “irreparable.”
The Saudi-backed LIV series has lured some of the PGA Tour’s top members with huge sums of money, while those who joined the rival tour have been suspended by the US-based organization .
LIV filed a lawsuit accusing the PGA of antitrust violations, while the PGA responded with a countersuit.
“This ‘us versus them’ thing has already gotten out of control,” McIlroy said.
“If the two entities continue to redouble their efforts in both directions, this can only become irreparable. We are going to have a fractured sport for a long time. It’s not good for anyone. »
Several of McIlroy’s former Ryder Cup teammates, including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, have joined LIV, and it is unclear whether they will be allowed to compete in next year’s event.
Henrik Stenson has had the European team captain’s armband stripped after joining the Saudi-backed circuit.
“I think this is the first time in my life that I feel betrayed, in a way,” McIlroy added. “You build relationships with these people through Ryder Cups and other things. They know that what they are about to do will prevent them from participating in this kind of event?
“I would like to think that the Ryder Cup means as much to them as it does to me. Maybe it is. But knowing what the consequences might be, I just couldn’t make that decision. »
McIlroy said players should have tried to work through their issues with established circuits rather than switching to LIV.
“I feel like the place where they were able to build their legacy and build their brand, they just left it behind,” he added.
“If people feel so wronged by certain things, I’d rather try to make those changes from the inside than try to go outside and be disruptive. »
