LIV Golf CEO Claps Back at Rory and Tiger’s Merger Optimism

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil recently clapped back at comments Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods made regarding the potential merger between the PGA TOUR and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which seems to indicate there could be a conglomeration between the two rival tours after a deal is done.

O’Neil’s LIV Golf has made several moves to indicate that this is not the case.

The first is the lengthy extension it signed with Adelaide, Australia, to return through 2031.

The second was O’Neil’s comments during the tournament in Australia last weekend, which seemed to indicate LIV has unequivocally the best talent in professional golf, something that can be challenged pretty easily.

The comments also came just days after Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods indicated a merger between the PGA TOUR and the PIF was somewhat imminent. McIlroy believes that President Trump’s influence on talks has had a positive impact, and Woods said he thinks golf will “heal quickly” after a deal is reached.

O’Neil still believes LIV Golf has the high hand, something that any CEO or Commissioner would believe. He put his money where his mouth was on national TV this past weekend at LIV Golf Adelaide:

He said:

“You don’t have to look too far past our leaderboard to know that outside of the majors, if you want to see the best players in the world, there’s only one place to see it, and that’s at LIV.”

🚨⛳️🏌️‍♂️ #WATCH — LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil: “You don’t have to look too far past our leaderboard to know that outside of the majors, if you want to see the best players in the world, there’s only one place to see it, and that’s at LIV.” (H/t @LIVRandONIONS)

Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/hD8wTzyUAY

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) February 16, 2025

O’Neil’s comments are interesting because, even taking the OWGR, which LIV does not qualify for, out of the conversation, there is definitely an argument that the PGA TOUR has the better lineup.

This is not to say LIV Golf has no superstars on their roster — in fact, they have arguably the most popular player in golf with Bryson DeChambeau, who is a current Major holder with his victory over McIlroy at the U.S. Open last year.

With that being said, the talent pool on both tours is respectable, but it is blasphemous to say LIV Golf has the better lineup, as O’Neil said.

Cover Image via SportsTravel