With the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to withdraw funding from LIV Golf at the close of this season, Green Jacket winner Rory McIlroy was relieved that he was wrong about his prior suggestion to the PGA Tour.

After weeks of speculation, the PIF released a statement regarding the end of its five-year partnership with LIV. The rebel tour is now actively seeking new long-term investors. In a video posted on X by Flushing It Golf, McIlroy confessed that he had been mistaken.

“I'm glad I was wrong, Bob. I can admit when I was wrong, and that was one that I did get wrong. I think it was always a possibility to happen,” said McIlroy.

Before the 2025 Genesis Invitational, the Northern Irishman had advocated for a deal between the PGA Tour and PIF.

"Whatever's happened has happened and it's been unfortunate, but reunification, how we all come back together and move forward..."

However, recent developments have made the 30-time PGA Tour winner retract his statement.

Over the past five years, the PIF has invested more than $5 billion in LIV Golf. On 30th April, they announced that the investment is "no longer consistent with the current phase" of its strategy. 

With consistent losses and marquee players leaving the league, many anticipated the PIF’s decision. The meeting in Manhattan was the turning point, and the partnership fell apart soon after.

“Their priorities shifted, and that leaves LIV in a pretty precarious spot. But again, that was always a possibility. I feel like a lot of us in this room, including me, we almost knew before the players did that this was going to happen. I was hearing about this back in March, April, all the time.” McIlroy added.

Joking that he enjoyed talking on this matter, McIlroy did admit that he spoke about LIV Golf's future often with one of his best friends, Ricky McCormick, who caddies for LIV Golf’s Tom McKibben.

However, the 37-year-old revealed that his friend used to dismiss any news regarding the PIF’s decision to possibly back out. 

As it stands, the future looks uncertain for the rebel tour. 

What The Future Holds For LIV

As of now, LIV will carry on with its current season. Earlier, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil had stated that the season will continue “at full throttle.”

McIlroy was further asked if he was aware of any deals or prospects for LIV Golf. The 2026 Masters winner did not seem to have an idea.

“I don't. I'm not privy to the deals they have. I guess from what I read, they've got some sponsorship revenue for I don't know how long that those commitments are..."

"If they do somehow get a schedule together for next year, it seems like it's going to look drastically different to what it's looked like over the past four years.” said McIlroy.

LIV Golf is transforming its investment structure to a “diversified, multi-partner investment model.”

The league recently unveiled a new independent board of directors and has retained Ducera as its investment banking advisor to secure funding for the seasons to come.

What are your thoughts on PIF’s withdrawal from funding LIV Golf? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Surjo Ray