Rory McIlroy’s latest comments about LIV Golf have reignited an old divide in professional golf, and this time, one of his former Ryder Cup teammates has decided to respond.
McIlroy recently questioned whether LIV Golf’s leading players had brought enough value to the breakaway league, while also suggesting that stars such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau could face a difficult path if they attempt to return to the PGA Tour.
Those remarks have not gone down well with Lee Westwood.
Westwood, who has been one of LIV Golf’s most prominent figures since joining the league, pushed back against McIlroy’s assessment and argued that the continued interest in LIV players tells a different story.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Westwood said he was not concerned about criticism surrounding his LIV involvement or his recent invitation to compete at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
“I really don’t care what people think, to be perfectly honest,” Westwood said.
He then pointed to the demand for LIV players across different tournaments as evidence that they continue to add value to professional golf.
“I think it illustrates the fact that people like LIV players playing in their events, promoters and sponsors, no matter which tour they’re on,” Westwood explained. “They bring quality to tournaments.”
Westwood also appeared to take a direct swipe at McIlroy when discussing the Northern Irishman’s comments.
“I heard Rory’s comments yesterday. I thought Scottie [Scheffler] answered the question well, and Rory’s answer was just typical of Rory, really,” he said.
“It wasn’t well thought out. There are a lot of players on this tour who bring value to tournaments.”
The disagreement comes at a particularly significant moment for professional golf, with LIV Golf’s future beyond 2026 still uncertain.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has ended its financial backing beyond this season, while LIV CEO Scott O’Neil is working on a new investment structure that could keep the league alive with a reduced schedule.
The uncertainty has also fueled speculation that some of LIV’s biggest names could eventually return to the PGA Tour.
Jon Rahm’s future has been heavily discussed, while Bryson DeChambeau recently admitted that LIV is facing a difficult fight to secure its long-term future.
McIlroy, however, has made it clear that he does not believe LIV players should simply be welcomed back without consequences.
Scottie Scheffler has taken a different position.
The world No. 1 said he would welcome the opportunity to compete regularly against players such as Rahm and DeChambeau again, although he believes returning LIV players should face penalties.
“There’s definitely some players that would provide a lot of value to the Tour, and guys that I love competing against as well,” Scheffler said.
Westwood’s response highlights the continuing split between some of golf’s biggest names. While McIlroy remains firmly convinced that the PGA Tour is the best platform for elite professional golf, Westwood believes the continued demand for LIV players demonstrates that they still have considerable value.
With LIV Golf’s future hanging in the balance, the disagreement between two former Ryder Cup teammates adds another layer to an already complicated battle over the direction of professional golf.
