Rory McIlroy has expressed that LIV Golf is no longer a threat to traditional golf, labeling it as “half a good idea, executed poorly.” This statement comes as the breakaway league attempts to relaunch after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States.

The Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund had invested $5 billion (£3.7bn) over four years, attracting players like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau from the PGA Tour. However, the fund withdrew support this year, leading to the current challenges.

The proposed relaunch, termed LIV 2.0, has potential backing of $300 million (£227m) from BC Partners Capital, contingent on a certain number of players re-signing. Notably, Rahm has already decided against continuing.

Recent news indicates that any player signing with LIV will be barred from DP World Tour membership and Ryder Cup eligibility, further complicating the situation. McIlroy remarked at the Bloomberg New Economy forum in New Delhi that while LIV had significant capital, it was mismanaged, suggesting it could have strategically partnered with governing bodies instead of focusing solely on financially rewarding already wealthy players.

He acknowledged the difficulties ahead for LIV in emerging from bankruptcy, stating that it will not pose a threat to the traditional game as it once did. A pressing issue now is the fate of players leaving LIV, with the PGA Tour enforcing a one-year suspension, and the DP World Tour tightening its regulations.

While McIlroy supports allowing these players back on tour for the benefit of all, Joost Luiten, a six-time DP World Tour winner, disagrees. He criticized the returning players for abandoning the tour for money and suggested they should prove themselves in Q-School before rejoining.