Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood Clash Over LIV Golf Changes
LIV Golf star Lee Westwood has responded to Rory McIlroy's remarks regarding major changes announced for the 2026 season of LIV Golf. The breakaway league, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will shift its event format starting next year.
Upcoming Format Changes in LIV Golf
From 2026, all LIV events will extend from 54 holes to 72 holes, aligning with formats used on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. This change is notable because the 'LIV' name references the 54-hole format in Roman numerals.
The alteration is believed to help LIV players gain Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which they were previously unable to earn due to the tour's unique status.
McIlroy's Reaction and Westwood's Response
McIlroy called the proposed LIV format changes "peculiar" in an interview before the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Westwood, a former Ryder Cup teammate, addressed McIlroy's comments during an interview with talkSPORT:
"I don't know. I don't pay too much attention to what Rory says, really. He'll change his mind for next week."
Westwood’s response suggests skepticism toward McIlroy's criticism and hints at a possible change in Rory's stance.
Summary
The LIV Golf league is adapting its format to 72 holes to align with major tours and gain ranking legitimacy, sparking debate between top players McIlroy and Westwood.
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