Rory McIlroy's "Champions League" concept for the future of golf is modeled after the elite soccer league in Europe.
While in Dubai to defend his title in the Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy discussed a world tour in which the top players would be pitted against the best of other tours.
The four-time major champion compared it to the Champions League in football. “It’s comparable to Europe’s top league, and then every other league feeds into it.
“Although there are many excellent players and tours gaining popularity, I believe that this elite tour is the foundation for anything truly valuable that can be created for the game of golf, and all the other tours feed into it.”
Top players would need to consistently perform at their highest level in order to remain at the top, and players in lower tiers would need to earn their place.
After publicly opposing LIV Golf in the past, McIlroy has changed his mind and now sees its benefits.
Additional evidence has been provided by a Saudi-focused version of LIV possibly partnering with the PGA Tour.
Scottie Scheffler, the top player in the world, is waiting to see.
“In our daily lives, we don’t really talk about [all the external discussions] much,” Scheffler remarked.
“I think that the conversations we have when we go out to dinner and other social gatherings with the guys here are a little different than they used to be, but that’s only because we still have some issues to resolve.
“I try to get my work done when I go out there to practice, so I wouldn’t say it’s a distraction for me.”
McIlroy, 34, emphasized the significance of moving swiftly as well.
“Is it possible to envision the top 70 or 80 golfers in the world traveling to India for a tournament if this global tour is successful in some way over the next few years?” He stated.
“I believe that in a nation like that, it would alter both the game and how people saw it. Again, there are a ton of opportunities to take it global.
“As I’ve been saying for the past few months, golf is at a turning point. If it doesn’t turn around now, I fear it never will, and the landscape will remain somewhat fractured for all time.”
The idea of increasing competition in a soccer-style format is quite appealing.
According to McIlroy, “there are promotion and relegation, and you have to earn your way in and your spot to stay in.” “That’s also really important, in my opinion.”
