Rory McIlroy praises LIV Golf appointing Scott O'Neil

Rory McIlroy praises LIV Golf appointing Scott O'Neil as CEO to replace Greg Norman: 'Probably a good move'
Following a 2-under 70 in the opening round of the 2025 Dubai Desert Classic, Rory McIlroy addressed the announcement that Scott O'Neil had been appointed LIV Golf CEO. Having previously butted heads publicly with outgoing CEO and commissioner Greg Norman,
Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm applaud LIV Golf’s hiring Scott O’Neill as new CEO
Despite being on opposite sides of the issue, McIlroy and Rahm both expressed positive opinions about LIV Golf’s new CEO.
Rory McIlroy paid 10x more than Tom McKibbin's LIV Golf offer despite comments
McIlroy has been an outspoken critic of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League ever since the breakaway tour was introduced in 2022. The Irishman has also acted as a mentor to golf prodigy McKibbin, who comes from the same village as McIlroy in Belfast.
‘He’s giving up a lot’: Rory McIlroy tried to convince phenom not to join LIV Golf
Rory McIlroy revealed that he talked with phenom Tom McKibbin and advised him not to join LIV in his Dubai Desert Classic press conference.
‘I wouldn’t make that decision’: Rory McIlroy has some heartfelt advice for protégé contemplating LIV Golf move
All the while, McIlroy will attempt to win a fifth career major after a 10-year drought filled with close calls. Recently, he has had second-place finishes at the past two U.S. Opens and one runner up at the 2022 Masters. There was also a heartbreaking third place behind winner Cam Smith at the 150th Open at St. Andrews.
Rory McIlroy Thinks a Move to LIV Golf Would Be a Mistake for Tom McKibbin
Currently, the golfer most talked about from Holywood Golf Club is not Rory McIlroy but young Tom McKibbin. At 22, McKibbin is on a solid career track, earning one of the 10 PGA Tour cards out of the DP World Tour last year, but intrigue abounds around the young Ulsterman’s future.
Rory McIlroy reveals advice to Tom McKibbin over LIV Golf move: ‘It would be disappointing’
Rory McIlroy believes LIV Golf bound Tom McKibbin is “giving up a lot to not really benefit that much” including an imminent chance to reach the world’s Top-10 if he leaves the PGA Tour.
Rory McIlroy said 'it would be a little disappointing' if his protege signed with LIV Golf
Rory McIlroy was asked about his reaction to Tom McKibbin's alleged decision to sign with LIV Golf, and his answer was nearly 3 minutes long.
Rory McIlroy: Greg Norman's LIV Golf exit a 'good move'
Rory McIlroy has said that Greg Norman's departure as CEO of LIV Golf is "probably a good move" while Jon Rahm believes it gives the Saudi-backed league a "less threatening image." LIV is moving forward with sports executive Scott O'Neil as its CEO,
Who is Scott O'Neil? What to know about new LIV Golf CEO replacing Greg Norman
Scott O'Neil replaced Greg Norman as LIV Golf CEO on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. O'Neil previously was CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rory McIlroy actually paid Greg Norman a compliment in the wake of his departure as LIV CEO
Rory McIlroy has never hidden his frustration with Greg Norman, frequently criticizing the Australian as he helped launch the LIV Golf League and, in McIlroy’s mind, initiated the schism with the PGA Tour that has harmed men’s professional golf.

Dubai, Hillier and Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy tamps down Jon Rahm's optimism about golf's 'golden era' amid existing fractures in game
Although Rory McIlroy may eventually share Jon Rahm's optimism about the state of professional golf, he currently does not ...
Rory McIlroy Pushes Back on Jon Rahm's ‘Golden Era for Golf’ Comment
At the Dubai Desert Classic, Jon Rahm said “we’re living in a golden era right now for golf,” which Rory McIlroy didn’t quite ...
‘It’s golf, but it’s reimagined’: Everything to know about TGL, Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s high-tech indoor golf league
After years of anticipation, the high-tech indoor golf league spearheaded by two of the sport’s modern greats is finally ...
Rory McIlroy still wants a PGA-LIV resolution despite applauding rival tour's ambitions
Rory McIlroy has been one of the most outspoken PGA Tour golfers about preserving the tour despite everything LIV Golf is ...
Gutted Rory McIlroy gives three-minute speech warning close friend to reverse $5m decision
Rory McIlroy gave a heartfelt public address to his friend Tom McKibbin warning him against moving to LIV Golf. McKibbin is ...
Rory McIlroy 'frustrated,' aims for DP World Tour history in Dubai
Rory McIlroy is not playing at the level we have come to expect, but has precedence to lean on at the Hero Desert Dubai ...
Rory McIlroy faces massive deficit in Dubai, can he come back and shock everyone again?
Although Rory McIlroy has not played well in his first tournament of 2025, he is certainly not out of it at the halfway point ...
Rory McIlroy barely makes cut as Jon Rahm misses at Hero Dubai Desert Classic
Jon Rahm missed the cut and Rory McIlroy was forced to battle to make the weekend as the headline acts struggled at the Dubai ...