Two and a half years have passed since LIV Golf’s first-ever event at Centurion Club in June 2022.
Since then, multiple big-name signings have been made, and millions of dollars have been spent. Clearly, the breakaway venture is here to stay as talks between the PGA Tour and PIF continue to falter.
Over the last two years, the perception of LIV has drastically changed, with some of the biggest names in the sport now considering a merger.
Here, The Golfing Gazette takes a look at what Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler thought of LIV two years ago.
Rory McIlroy LIV Golf view changes
McIlroy was arguably LIV’s most prominent critic when the league emerged in 2022, and the Northern Irishman was never afraid to criticise those who left the PGA Tour.
When rumours of the Saudi-backed league first broke, the four-time major winner claimed the concept was “dead in the water” before it had even begun.
“It’s dead in the water, in my opinion,” McIlroy said. “I just can’t see any reason why anyone would go. Who else have you got to fill the field?
“I mean, Greg Norman would have to tee it up to fill the field. Like, I mean, seriously? I mean, who else is going to do it? I don’t think they could get 48 guys.”
Now, however, McIlroy believes reunification is the only way forward for men’s professional golf to continue to grow.
Scottie Scheffler’s 2022 view on LIV Golf
Scheffler has typically distanced himself from the breakaway league and has never had too much to say on the matter.
The world number one was asked about the possibility of a Ryder Cup-style match between LIV and the PGA Tour in September 2022, and the American’s view on the standard of those who quit the PGA Tour was clear.
“I think the PGA Tour has a bit more talent than their tour does. I don’t have much to say,” Scheffler said. “I play golf on the PGA Tour. Honestly, I don’t have much to say. I don’t know the ins and outs of how the system works if those golf tournaments are deemed eligible, if 54-hole events count, 48 guys.”
Scheffler also reiterated his PGA Tour stance not long after LIV Golf’s first event.
“For me, I feel like the PGA Tour is the best place to play,” he stated. “My dream was to play on the PGA Tour. My dream was never to maximize my financial benefits. I feel very blessed and fortunate to play golf and get paid for it, so for me, I’m not looking to go out and do anything else.”
Jordan Spieth denies LIV Golf discussions in 2022
Spieth is another who has remained loyal to the PGA Tour. Speaking at the 2024 John Deere Classic, Spieth discussed the possibility of LIV players returning to the PGA Tour and remained coy over the ongoing PIF-PGA Tour negotiations.
However, during LIV’s infancy, there were strong rumours linking the three-time major winner with a PGA Tour exit. Speculation Spieth denied.
“Because of the false reporting today, I feel the need to comment,” Spieth wrote on X.
“Let me be clear, any reports that I am contemplating competing anywhere other than the PGA Tour are categorically untrue. I am NOT in discussions with LIV. I have been quoted on the record for months that I fully support the PGA Tour and have never considered any alternatives.
“My goal has not changed since I began playing golf – to win PGA Tour events and major Championships and to compete against the best players in the world. Those who truly know me know what is most important to me.”
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